Beginning in the 1840's, artists began arriving at Northeast Harbor to enjoy the beauty and create artwork to sell in the cities. In 1855, Fitz Henry Lane came to Mt. Desert Island aboard the General Gates. Lane is the earliest artist that is known to have visited Northeast Harbor, although it is likely that Thomas Cole and Frederick Church visited in 1844 and 1850 respectively. A sketch, currently in the collection of the Cape Ann Historical Association entitled "North East Harbor, Mount Desert, Aug. 1850," provides proof of Lane's visit to Northeast Harbor. Though sometimes contested, it is commonly believed that the artwork produced by these early painters is what drew the original rusticators to the Island, to witness the spectacular scenery for themselves.
