History

Timeline

~ Abenaki Indians inhabit Cliff Island

~ An attack on the Potts family on Jewel island occurs, and the Abenaki kill many people.

~ 1740s: Settlement of Cliff Island by families begins

~ 1832: Six families subsist on the island by fishing.

~ Late 1800s: Seventh Day Adventist Church founded

~ 1892: The name of the island changes from "Crotch Island" to "Cliff Island" (it had also previously been called "Captain Larrabee's Island."

~ 1895: First public school founded (classes had been held in the Church before this)

~ August 1986: Cliff Island is the site for filming the movie The Whales of August, starring film legends Bette Davis, Vincent Price, Lillian Gish, and Ann Southern.

Our knowledge of Cliff Island's rich history extends back to its inhabitation
by the Abenaki Indians and settlement around 1740. Since then, the island has experienced many events and has developed its own legends and folklore.

The Cliff Island Historical Society is located next to the Post Office and is an excellent resource for learning about the history behind different buildings on the island. Summer visitors often go to the Historical Society to learn about the house they are staying in.

Here, we have included a timeline with important events in Cliff Island's history. Click on the links to learn more about a that particular event.

Don't forget to check out the short movie about the infamous Captain Keiff!

Resources

Thank you to Dana Leath and Danielle Hall
of the Island Institute for the historical photographs.

Check out this website by Portland high school students
for more information on Cliff Island's history.

Legends and Folklore

Captain Keiff

Bigfoot on Cliff Island?

Photos of Historical Buildings

More Photos

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