1893 wreck inspires current court case.

Carrie Jones

Apr 25, 2026

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—Back in April 1893, the Delhi, a two-mastered schooner sank as it was leaving Somes Sound.

Last week, the state asked a judge for possession of that shipwreck, which is still beneath the water.

According to an 1893 edition of the Ellsworth American, the Delhi sank in 25 fathoms of water. “In beating out of the Sound, she struck a heavy cake of ice and foundered almost immediately, the crew having barely time to escape in their boat,” the short, paragraph-long report reads.

There were 32,000 Baltimore pavers on board that had been loaded by Campbell & Macomber of Quarryville.

Campbell & Macomber had a granite quarry in Mount Desert. At the time, its granite had been used to construct banks and libraries throughout the northeastern portion of the United States.

“In March 2024, JJM LLC filed a salvage rights claim to the ship in U.S. District Court of Maine in Bangor,” Marie Weidmayer of the Bangor Daily News wrote earlier this week. ”The company is seeking ownership rights to the wreckage, but the state challenged that claim, saying that federal law has established that unclaimed shipwrecks lying in state waters are the property of the state.”

The state, Weidmayer reported, hoped for a jury trial. However, Judge John Nivison will instead have a written opinion about the case.

No company has claimed the ship’s title, according to Assistant Attorney General Lauren Parker, Weidmayer reported. This, Parker argued, means the ship is abandoned.

“We are talking about a pile of stones underneath the pile of trash,” Weidmayer quoted JJM attorney Ben Ford as saying. “This is not a shipwreck in the sense that one might imagine a shipwreck to be. The Delhi is no longer there.”

Part of the issues are a dispute over how much of the boat exists; how much is not embedded in the floor; and whether or not it would require more than hand tools to remove.

“A JJM diver was able to pick up a granite paver by hand and return it to the surface in a basket, Ford said. There are definitely pavers on the surface of the ocean floor, but some may be under garbage that has accumulated on top of the wreck, he said,” Weidmayer wrote.

According to Weidmayer, the salvage company wants to recover pavers and artifacts, which it would donate to museums.

“The salvage firm filed suit in September against the National Park Service after the service determined the shipwreck is eligible for listing in the National Register. That lawsuit is still pending,” Weidmayer wrote.

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.

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Wellesley Police discovered two children dead inside an Edgemoor Avenue home.

A police department in Vermont called Wellesley Police at around 9:30 p.m. Friday to ask them to conduct a well-being check at the home. When police performed that check, they found two deceased children inside the residence.

There was no further information immediately available Saturday morning.

The incident is under investigation by the Wellesley Police and the Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s office.

The DA says that “there is no risk to the community.”

This is a developing story.

For many travelers, the goal of a trip is to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful experience. While getting out in nature can help with that, you also want to consider the safety of the place you’re going. When it comes to safety, New Hampshire is one of your best bets. The pretty East Coast state is known as the safest in America — perfect for a stress-free vacation. There’s one state park, in particular, that promises a great mix of mountains, lake access, and beautiful scenery, all within a short drive of some attraction-filled cities. Pawtuckaway State Park spans over 5,500 acres and features a 700-foot beach, a fire tower, lots of wildlife sightings, and an array of trails. It also has a highly reviewed camping area, plus plenty of winter recreation opportunities. The adult day-use fee is around $5 at the time of writing, and you won’t have to go too far off the beaten path to experience everything the area has to offer.

Pawtuckaway State Park is located almost perfectly between Concord and Portsmouth. Thanks to the park’s relatively easy access to State Route 101, both cities can be reached in under 40 minutes with normal traffic conditions. For travelers located too far away to consider a road trip, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is one of the most convenient entryways, at half an hour southwest. If you can’t find any good flight options here, try Boston Logan International Airport. It’s over double the distance, but you’ll be far more likely to book a direct line. Either way, public transportation options are virtually non-existent, so a rental is your best bet.

Read more: 5 Abandoned National Parks And Monuments That No Longer Exist

Pawtuckaway State Park’s mountain trails and fantastic scenery

One of the most notable aspects of the park is its access to the Pawtuckaway Mountains, a rocky range estimated to date back over 100 million years. Hiking and biking trails are scattered all over, many of which reward you with beautiful vistas at the top. The pathway through South Mountain and up to the fire tower is one of the most popular picks. You can also climb the tower for the unobstructed, 360-degree view of your surroundings. Just keep an eye out for wasps. The trail itself stretches over 5 miles, and hiking it can take up to three hours. Try to keep this map handy, as it makes it easy to find the paths, boundaries, gates, facilities, and more. Visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful and colorful, and the trails as well-kept, well-marked, and easy enough to navigate, though they come in an array of difficulty levels.

If you can’t decide on which one to tackle first, see if you can spend a night at the park’s campground and space out your excursions. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, a fireplace, and a parking spot, not to mention you get access to running water, coin-operated showers, a vessel launch, and even a small shop. You can bring a pet along, but be warned that there aren’t any RV hookups and you’ll have to reserve your space beforehand. Campers often compliment the spaces’ size and lakefront scenery, and they also mention a generally private feel. Looking for a more well-rounded day trip option? Concord is an ideal spot. The picturesque New Hampshire city offers the ultimate blend of historic charm and nature.

Beaches, kayaking, and laid-back lake days in Pawtuckaway State Park

Water lovers who already know that New England’s most underrated, charming little coastline belongs to New Hampshire will be happy to learn that Pawtuckaway State Park offers its own version of a waterfront haven. Pawtuckaway Lake is a space where you can boat, kayak, and even sunbathe, thanks to its nearby family-friendly beach. The beach can get a bit busy, but it’s sandy, surrounded by trees, and equipped with a swimming spot. Floating accessories can be used, too, and there’s usually no lifeguard. Another important warning to keep in mind is that Pawtuckaway is one of the multiple New Hampshire lakes teeming with snakes, so it’s worth reading through this guide on what you should know before going swimming.

Kayaking, in particular, is a popular activity around here. You’ve got plenty of rental options nearby, but be prepared for some water traffic. Still, visitors say that it’s easy to make your way through the waters, and the prices are reasonable, not to mention that the overall atmosphere remains safe and relaxing. It’s one of the best ways to explore all the little islands scattered around the lake. 

“Laid-back” is a term sometimes used to describe the whole park, and even if you don’t feel up for a kayaking session, you can always make the most out of the area’s lake access by fishing instead. Some common species you might come across include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and perch. Just keep in mind that the use of lead-weighted hooks has been banned here since 2016. Moreover, anyone 16 years old or older needs to have a valid license, which you can obtain here.

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Read the original article on Islands.