NORTH of Hewes Point in the northwestern corner of Islesboro Harbor, two rocky headlands lead to small Bounty Cove, which is protected except from south to east. The houses on each headland and the road at the head of the cove are among the many signs of civilization.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The cove is of interest for its brief moment in history. In 1780, when Harvard College was mounting the first formal expedition to observe a total eclipse of the sun, the astronomers calculated that tiny Bounty Cove on Islesboro was the best viewing location. But Islesboro was British territory at the time, and the solar phenomenon would pay no heed to the affairs of men.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
But what the natural workings of the world would ignore, civilized gentlemen could put right. Always devoted to the interests of science—and always very sporting—the British gave permission for the scientists to go behind enemy lines and witness the event. A simple marker, along the roadside just north of the cove, commemorates the occasion.
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