HAIL THE HISTORIC DESTINATIONS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThere are two amazing destinations that hold the key to a treasure of hidden history. They are isolated enough to make you feel like you have gone back in time to a bygone era and relaxing enough to accomplish the mission of a true vacation.
Campobello Island is a quiet paradise that is just off the east coast of Maine and accessible by bridge from Lubec, Maine or by car ferry from the New Brunswick mainland. Nature is nurturing and there is vigorous outdoor life that draws your attention to it quickly. What is so bewitching about this particular destination is its tie to one of the only American presidents elected to more than two terms, Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was a secret favorite destination that brought him back time and time again to enjoy plenty of fishing and spending time on the Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides in the world.
In fact, the bridge to the island is named after Roosevelt. Rich in history dating back to its first settlers and the trade that made the island flourish, Campobello Island draws an estimated 100,000 visitors each year. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park was established in 1964 following a gift of the cottage and its grounds to the Canadian and U.S. Government. It is the only international park in the world and stands for an expression of close ties between the U.S. and Canada and serves as a memorial to a United States President who made that bond come alive. The island is known for its unmatched fishing industry which encompasses lobster, scallops, herring, cod, pen-raised salmon and mackerel.
Without fail, tea is served every afternoon, a constant reminder of the importance that the role of tradition plays in the lives of these residents that make the island special. The East Quoddy Lighthouse is a symbol whose beacon is a landmark for those that call the island their home.
One of the romantic and seemingly special points of interest is Owen House, a country inn with charisma and class.
There are countless species of birds that make this one of the best bird-watching areas in the world. The Roosevelt cottage/estate is a definite stop as you settle in. It is no wonder that Roosevelt treated this stunning hideaway as if it was his second home.
Another hidden secret is Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas, the other spectrum of the country, which is at the very tip of the unique island of Key West in the Florida Keys. Fort Jefferson, a coastal fort, is on over 10 acres of land and was built after the War of 1812 as a means of protecting our borders and shipping lanes.
The way it was built fits to the island’s shape. It is a huge fort of 16 million bricks and is three-tiered and six-sided to withstand the toughest of battles. Inside the massive walls it was totally self-contained with a peak population between soldiers and their families and prisoners at one particular time of 1729 to 2000 people.
At one point, the fort was turned over to the Marine Hospital Service to be operated as a quarantine station. On January 4, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the area as Fort Jefferson National Monument. In 1970, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It became part of a National Park with the Dry Tortugas in 1992.
There were never any battles fought there, ironically enough, but it did serve the majority of its active existence as a military prison.
Over 80,000 tourists visit each year as they pick Key West as the laid back destination of choice. The sandy beaches and superior snorkeling are a big draw as well.
Interestingly enough, the sandbar that the fort is built upon is slowing sinking. It is worth a visit to Fort Jefferson for its historic beauty whether it be with your significant other or the entire family.
PHOTO CREDITS: TripAdvisor and nps.gov
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