In 1901, disturbed by the growing development of the Bar Harbor area and the dangers he foresaw in the newly invented gasoline-powered portable sawmill, Dorr and others established the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. The corporation, whose sole purpose was to preserve land for the perpetual use of the public, acquired 6,000 acres by 1913. Dorr offered the land to the federal government, and in 1916 President Wilson announced the creation of Sieur de Monts National Monument. Dorr continued to acquire property and renewed his efforts to obtain full national park status for his beloved preserve. In 1919, President Wilson signed the act establishing Lafayette National Park. Dorr, whose labors constituted 'the greatest of one-man shows in the history of land conservation,' became the first park superintendent. In 1929, the name changed to Acadia National Park.
President Wilson President Wilson signed the act establishing Lafayette National Park.
President Wilson President Wilson signed the act establishing Lafayette National Park.