Monhegan, Maine
Monhegan, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Plantation of Monhegan Island | |
Monhegan Harbor in 1909 | |
| Nickname: "The Artists' Island" | |
Location in Lincoln County and the state of Maine. | |
| Coordinates: 43°45′59″N 69°18′05″W / 43.76639°N 69.30139°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Lincoln |
| First Settlement | 1623 |
| Incorporated | September 4, 1839 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Plantation |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.5 sq mi (11.7 km2) |
| • Land | 0.85 sq mi (2.2 km2) |
| • Water | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 64 |
| • Density | 75/sq mi (29/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 04852 |
| Area code | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-46335 |
| GNIS feature ID | 582600 |
| U.S. NNL | Designated: 1966 |
| Website | monheganplantation |
Monhegan (/mɒnˈhiːɡən/ mon-HEE-gən) is a historic island plantation in the Gulf of Maine, approximately 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) off the coast of Maine. Part of Lincoln County, Maine, the island has been inhabited for over 400 years and is renowned as one of America's oldest and most influential artist colonies. With a year-round population of 64 as of the 2020 census, Monhegan fishermen manage Maine's only lobster conservation area.
The island's dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, pristine forests, and rugged coastline has attracted artists, writers, and naturalists for more than a century. Notable artists including Edward Hopper, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Jay Hall Connaway, and Jamie Wyeth have found inspiration on its shores. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1966 for its exceptional coastal and island flora, Monhegan represents one of the best-preserved island ecosystems in the North Atlantic.
The plantation comprises Monhegan Island proper and the smaller neighboring Manana Island, together forming a unique maritime community that balances historical preservation, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism. Access is limited to scheduled ferry service from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, and Port Clyde, helping preserve the island's distinctive character and fragile ecosystem. Visitors' cars are not permitted on the island, maintaining its historic character and environmental integrity.