Most People Don’t Realize This Popular Maine Tourist Spot Once Had a Much Different Name

Given that many New England towns have been around for several hundred years, it is not uncommon to hear stories about how, at one point, they had a different name.

In some cases, like with New Hampshire’s Berlin & Milan, just the pronunciation was changed.  As the story goes, we say Berlin and Milan the way we do because the residents wanted to distance themselves from Germany and Italy during World War 2.

In other cases, the name of the town completely changed.  For example, Augusta was once known as Cushnoc.  Later, it was a part of nearby Hallowell before it split off to become Harrington.  A few months later, the town’s name was changed to Augusta.

Augusta is not the only Maine town to have gone through a name change.

One of Maine’s Most Popular Tourist Towns Once Had a Different Name

Bar Habor has been welcoming visitors for well over 100 years.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, the majority of the town’s summer visitors were the families of wealthy individuals from Boston and New York.  Entire families would escape the heat and filth of the east coast’s major cities for the duration of the summer.  They’d spend several months enjoying the fresh air and cool sea breezes of Mount Desert Island.

In recent decades, Bar Harbor has attracted a much more diverse crowd of visitors.  These days, people from all walks of life and income levels drive (or cruise) to the town.  The crowd the sidewalks, shop at the stores, and eat at the area’s amazing restaurants.  Many also visit nearby Acadia National Park.

Most of the town’s visitors are unaware that it once had a different name.

According to an article on the WGME website, Bar Harbor used to be called Eden.

From its 1796 founding until 1918 the town was called Eden.  In 1918, it was renamed for the sand bar that connects the town to nearby Bar Island during low tide.

Many of those who do know the story of the town’s name change believe it was called Eden as a reference to the Garden of Eden.  That’s not the case.  Actually, it was named for Britain’s Sir Richard Eden.

Do you frequently visit Bar Harbor?  What’s your favorite part of the town?  What are your favorite bars and restaurants in Bar Harbor?  Share with us through our app.