Seventy-nine members of the expedition, including Samuel Champlain, passed the severe winter of 1604-1605 on the island. Thirty-five settlers died, apparently of scurvy, and were buried in a small cemetery on Saint Croix Island. In spring 1605 the survivors left the island and founded the settlement of Port Royal, Nova Scotia.

Discover the events that took place during the short-lived, but historically important, settlement on Saint Croix Island. From mid-June through August 31, an interpretive ranger is stationed at the mainland site seven days a week.