Town of Stonington

Stonington is a town in Hancock County, settled in 1762 and known as Green's Landing before it incorporated on February 18, 1897 from a portion of the town of Deer Isle.

Its name implies the great quarries, four of which were developed after 1870 and supplied material for many buildings in New York City and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Fishing and, increasingly, summer residences provide the mainstay of the local economy.

Stonington hosts three nature preserves, the following two managed by the Nature Conservancy. The Crockett Cove Woods forest covers 100 acres where thick mosses shroud the granite boulders, and old man’s beard lichen veils the trees. The area has a self-guiding nature trail and good bird watching opportunities.

The Wreck Island Preserve features open fields and some spruce. Once used to graze sheep the ground is covered with woodland flowers and grassy fields make up most of the interior. The high land offers views of Stonington and Isle au Haut.

Round Island is a 46 acre domed island which rises to nearly 100'. The steep cliffs and dense forest are imposing and there are no trails, but it is possible to land and walk along the shore.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)