📍 Location & Geography
Mount Desert is a town located in Hancock County, in the U.S. state of Maine. The town is situated on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine and the second largest on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The town encompasses a total area of 54.88 square miles, of which 36.88 square miles is land and 18.00 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Mount Desert, Maine, are approximately 44.35° N latitude and 68.33° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Mount Desert is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the eastern part of Hancock County and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east. The town is divided into several villages, including Otter Creek, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Somesville, Hall Quarry, and Pretty Marsh.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Mount Desert was 2,109. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 51.4 years. The population is predominantly Caucasian, with a small percentage of other ethnicities represented.
🏛️ History
The town of Mount Desert was incorporated in 1789, making it one of the oldest towns in Maine. The area was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki people. It was later explored by Samuel de Champlain in 1604, who named it “Isles des Monts Desert,” with the term “desert” used in the sense of “uninhabited.” The town played a significant role in the development of the rusticator movement in the 19th century, attracting artists and writers who appreciated its natural beauty.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Mount Desert is home to a significant portion of Acadia National Park, the first national park east of the Mississippi River. The park offers stunning landscapes, including mountains, woodlands, lakes, and coastline. The town is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The highest point on the U.S. East Coast, Cadillac Mountain, is located within the town limits.
🏫 Education
Education in Mount Desert is managed by the Mount Desert Island Regional School System. The town has one elementary school, Mount Desert Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Mount Desert Island High School located in the neighboring town of Bar Harbor.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Mount Desert is facilitated by a network of state and local roads, including State Routes 3, 102, and 198. The Island Explorer shuttle bus provides free public transportation throughout Mount Desert Island during the summer and early fall. The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located approximately 12 miles from the town center.
📜 Trivia & Events
Mount Desert hosts several annual events, including the Mount Desert Island Marathon in October and the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival in December. The town is also known for its historic summer estates, many of which were built by prominent American families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mount Desert Island is often referred to as the “climbing capital of the East,” due to the numerous climbing routes on Cadillac Mountain and other peaks.