Marshall Island, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marshall Island, Maine
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Unorganized territory
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 Marshall Island, Maine
Location in Maine
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Hancock |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.5 sq mi (14.1 km2) |
| • Land | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km2) |
| • Water | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km2) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-43578 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2378263 |
Marshall Island is a special island located in Hancock County, Maine. It's called an unorganized territory, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a town or city. This island sits right where two bays meet: Penobscot Bay and Blue Hill Bay. You can find it between Swan's Island and Isle au Haut. What makes Marshall Island unique is that it has no people living on it. It's also one of the biggest undeveloped islands near the mainland United States.
Island History
Back in the 1980s, people thought about building homes on Marshall Island. They even drilled wells to prepare for about 14 possible properties. However, these plans didn't work out because the real estate market wasn't strong enough.
Later, in 2003 and 2004, a group called the Maine Coast Heritage Trust bought the island. They purchased it in three different parts for a total of $6.3 million. This group helps protect important natural places.
Island Geography
Marshall Island covers about 5.5 square miles (14.1 square kilometers) in total. Most of this area, about 3.9 square miles (10.1 square kilometers), is water, and 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers) is land.
The island itself is about 985 acres big. This makes it the 11th largest island in Maine. Most of Marshall Island is covered in thick forests. There are also two old, unused runways. While much of the coast is rocky, the island also has more than ten sandy beaches. The biggest beach is on the southeastern side, in a spot called Sand Cove.
Fun Things to Do
The Maine Coast Heritage Trust has turned Marshall Island into a place called the Ed Woodsum Preserve. This preserve is open for everyone to visit!
The land trust offers campsites on the island, so you can stay overnight. They also keep up hiking trails that go all around and across the island. Marshall Island is a great place for many outdoor activities. You can go boating, watch birds, or swim at its sandy beaches. If you enjoy nature, the island is also open for hunting and fishing.
