The History of the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

HISTORY

Artists Paint Bar Harbor on the Map
In the 1840s, two young painters put the quiet fishing village of Eden (later known as Bar Harbor) on the map as their magnificent artwork proclaimed the beauties of the quaint, coastal retreat to the world. The paintings of Thomas Cole and Fredric Church of the Hudson River Valley School of Painting found their way into popular East Coast salons, inspiring people to journey Down East and see for themselves the island that had inspired such beautiful canvasses.

Visitors Arrive, Requiring Lodging
The first visitors to Eden stayed with local farmers and fishermen in crude housing. Soon, the demand for better lodging facilities increased as wealthier travelers journeyed to the Island. Consequently, grand hotels quickly began to sprout up and by 1875, there were 16 hotels in town that were often booked two years in advance.

Rodick House, 1881

David Rodick Builds a Guest House
In 1866, David Rodick built a small guesthouse on his property to welcome summer visitors. A large addition was built in 1875 and with the final expansion in 1881, the Rodick House was advertised as the largest hotel in Maine. It included 400 guest rooms, dining facilities for 1000 and a renowned watering hole known as the “Fish Pond.” In the late 1800s, Eden had become a haven for the rich and famous. Visitors included the Rockefellers, Carnegies, Vanderbilts, Astors and Fords. Lavish parties, grand yachting adventures, tennis matches and golf were the pleasures of the day.

Many of the furnishings and fine details at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel are styled to reflect those of the 1800s.

A Devastating Fire
Toward the end of the 1800s, the golden hotel era began to decline as wealthy travelers began to construct their own lavish summer estates. The Rodick House itself was demolished in 1906. In 1947, a great fire changed the face of Mount Desert Island, destroying most of the remaining spectacular hotels and grand summer cottages. It took five days to bring the fire under control — five days that significantly changed the golden hotel and cottage era.

The devastating Fire of 1947. Photo courtesy of the Bar Harbor Historical Society.

A New Beginning
Fortunately, the land rebounded quickly, and what we now know as Acadia National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Today, Acadia draws more visitors per acre than any other National Park in the United States.

Click Here to see photos of today's Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.

Artist's rendition of the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

AAA For reservations BOOK ONLINE or call us at (888) 766-2529 or (207) 288-5226.
Home • Rooms • Amenities • Rates & Reservations • Packages Groups • *History* • Testimonials • Photos • Directions • Contact