By Susan H. Green
The History of Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, located in east Maine, has been a popular
resort destination since the late 1800's. It became known through the Hudson Valley School artists. They visited frequently and shared their scenic landscape paintings with patrons in the Northeast.
History
Bar Harbor grew as a tourist destination, particularly after the Civil War, as large and stately hotels were built. The great fire of 1947 destroyed many of the original hotels, which were replaced with larger, more modern buildings.
Location
Bar Harbor, Maine, is located 268 miles northeast of Boston and 120 miles east of the capital city of Augusta, Maine.
Attractions
Acadia National Park is the primary attraction near Bar Harbor, with 41,000 rocky acres of hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, and campgrounds. Its 1,532-foot summit, Mount Cadillac, is the first point in the United States to view the sunrise.
Fun Fact
Bar Harbor was originally named Eden, according to the incorporation document signed by Samuel Adams in 1796. In 1918, the town became officially known as Bar Harbor.
Famous Ties
As Bar Harbor gained in popularity, the prominence of the families who visited also increased. "Millionaires' Row," a line of summer estates, reflects names synonymous with early U.S. aristocracy: Rockefeller, Ford, Vanderbilt, Carnegie, Astor, and Morgan.
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Morguefile.com