NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SIEUR DE MONTS The significance of Sieur de Monts Spring In 1909, George Dorr, Acadia's first superintendent, built an octagonal tile-roofed structure over a spring at the south end of Great Meadow. On a nearby rock, he carved "The Sweet Waters of Acadia". And he named the spring "Sieur de Monts", in honor of the French nobleman who was commissioned Lieutenant Governor of New France by King Henry IV in 1603. As Lieuten- ant Governor, de Monts gained authority over all North America between the 40th and 46th parallels, from present-day Philadelphia to Montreal. De Monts was directed "to establish the name, power, and authority of the King of France; to summon the na- tives to a knowledge of the Christian religion; to people, cultivate, and settle the said lands; to make explorations and especially to seek out mines of precious metals." Armed with his grandiose commission, Sieur de Monts, his navigator Champlain, and his crew sailed to the New World, establishing an ill-fated French settlement on the Maine-Canada border. Dorr's work at Sieur de Monts Spring symbolizes the enthusiasm and spirit of many early 20th century summer residents who worked to preserve and protect the natural and historic values of Mount Desert Island. In a sense, Sieur de Monts Spring has become a memorial to Dorr, for it was his inspira- tion and determination that led to the creation of Acadia National Park. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Abbe Museum To Vicinity Map The Tarn To Blackwoods Campground Springhouse To To Dorr Mt. Sand Beach Pool Nature Center Wild Gardens of Acadia Restrooms To Visitor Road To Center Bar Hemlock Harbor KEY Trail N Brook Bridge Abandoned road