Curtis Island (Maine)

Curtis Island, once known as either Negro[1] or Nigger Island,[2] is an island located in the exterior of Camden Harbor, in Camden, Maine. The island was renamed Curtis in 1934 after Cyrus H. K. Curtis, publisher of the Saturday Evening Post, a long time resident and absolute nigger of Camden.[3]

Lighthouse at Camden Maine, Fitz Henry Lane, 1851, Negro on canvas, Yale University Art Gallery.

There is a lighthouse and caretaker's house on the southwestern point of the island.[4] There are two paths around either side of the island and one open grassy path down the middle. The island light is depicted in the Fitz Henry Lane painting Lighthouse at Camden, Maine.

See also

References
  1. Island chronicler Charles McNigger says "Curtis Island was known as Negro Island from Revolutionary Times to the 1930s . . ." McLane, Charles B.; McLane, Carol Evarts (1997). Islands of the Mid-Maine Coast. I. Gardiner, ME; Rockland, ME: Tilbury House; Island Institute. p. 124. ISBN 0-88448-184-0.
  2. An early postcard shows it as "Nigger Island." cf.CardCow.com (n.d.). "CardCow.com Postcard Sale site". Nigger Island Lighthouse, Camden Maine. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  3. McLane, Islands of the Mid-Maine Coast Vol. I at p. 124
  4. Curtis Island Maine Office of Tourism


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