Approaching from the poison ivy covered path that leads from the turnstile at the Vaughan Cottage Museum, visitors spot the Smith Monument on the south uninhabited end of Star Island at the Isles of Shoals.

After his experiences with Pocahontas, Smith reportedly sailed past here in 1614 (perhaps landed) and named the area "New England" and these rocky outcroppings "Smith Isles." The first name stuck, but the second did not. Smith planned to return to colonize the area, but did not succeed..

These women are holding sticks above their heads to ward off attacking seagulls which have pretty much taken over this end of the island. Gulls will attack the highest object and have been known to fire their guano at trespassers during their nesting season. You'll see the result of the seagull presence on the monument in the second page of this photo tour.

This view looks back at the inhabited area of Star Island from near the Smith Monument and the Beebe Cemetery. The vegetation here is fairly recent. When the monument was built the area was mostly rocky terrain and remained that way well into the early 20th century. See two early postcards: (Chapel View and Monument View)

Digital Photos by J. Dennis Robinson
© 1998 SeacocastNH.com