Saint Croix Island

In the spring of 1604 Pierre Dugua de Monts reached the coast of North America, and after months of hazardous explorations, he decided to seek somewhere to winter the expedition. As a first settlement, Île Sainte-Croix (Dochet Island) was chosen for its central position, its good anchorage, its ease of defence against attack, and because little time remained to prepare for winter. That season spent at Sainte-Croix was disastrous because of scurvy and extreme cold. In the spring, de Monts, having received fresh supplies, set out again in search of a more favourable district, and soon transported his colony to Port-Royal.