Roosevelt Campobello International Park, off the coast of New Brunswick: where history and nature meet.
Tourist destinations that evoke a respect of history and an appreciation of nature are to be treasured. Count among their numbers the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, which is located on Campobello Island off the coast of New Brunswick.
When, on January 22, 1964, U.S. president Lyndon Johnson and Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing Roosevelt Campobello International Park, they bequeathed a rich heritage for future generations of Americans and Canadians alike. As a testament to FDR's memory, and to the continuing amicable relations between Canada and the United States, this 2800 acre site is the only international park of its kind in the world.
What makes the Park unique is that it is not a part of either country's national parks service. It is administered by a joint U.S./Canadian Commission and is financed equally by the two countries, serving in its structure as a model of cooperation across international borders. What is referred to as "the natural area" (2600 acres) of the park was purchased by the Commission to preserve the Roosevelt family cottage and grounds for all time.
The invigorating sea climate, itself conducive to physical well-being, and the natural scenic beauties of the island-the beaches, trails, forests, coves, and marshes--are likely as satisfying to the sensibilities of visitors as they were to well-to-do families from the United States in the late 1800's when it was actively sought out as a favorite resort for rest and relaxation. Roosevelt's father, James, purchased a cottage there in 1883 and what was to become the FDR family cottage was built at a later time and bequeathed to him by his mother, Sara. Visitors may tour the dwelling, which contains many of FDR's mementos, including memorabilia depicting important events in his political career.
The Park was significant in Roosevelt's life for a number of reasons. It was at Campobello that he spent many summers, from infancy, and at critical points throughout his life. It was here that he enjoyed the pleasures of youth with his family, climbing, swimming, fishing, and sailing in this natural setting. It was also here, at the age of 39, as he was in the midst of his first political campaign for Governor of New York State, that he discovered he had contracted the dreaded polio, which left him partially disabled. His son Franklin, Jr. was born in one of the bedrooms in the main cottage. Intermittently, this island was his retreat, and that of the First Lady, Eleanor, perhaps used in the same way for this purpose as Camp David for U.S. presidents in more recent years.
A notable feature of the Park is the care which has been taken to ensure its accessibility. Disabled or elderly visitors may enjoy all the features of the island. Accessible trails, boardwalks and picnic sites abound, and especially observation points which afford unobstructed, panoramic views of the surrounding area.. From these points visitors may discover sea birds, and from time to time, whales, dolphins, or porpoises.
In a spirit of international cooperation, the Park also operates a conference program and welcomes small, informal groups seeking a peaceful retreat. Four turn-of-the-century cottages are available for mainly governmental, non-commercial or academic gatherings to meet and enjoy the natural setting. There are several options for overnight lodging on the island.
