Most histories of Acadia National Park chronicle the contributions of men in acquiring land, and while these contributions were critical, women also played a pivotal role. Some funded memorial paths, others facilitated George Dorr's acquiring land, and still others donated land. For people to enjoy the park and to find respite required developing infrastructure that provided easy access—a goal of Dorr, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and National Park Service directors Stephen Mather and Arno Cammerer. This book examines the role of women, the activities that characterize people enjoying the park, and the development of infrastructure, particularly the bridges and motor roads. Having access to two private photograph collections—those of the van Heerden family and Harold MacQuinn Inc.—as well as the photograph collection of Leo Grossman, the engineer for the Cadillac Mountain Road, has allowed us to use many previously unpublished images.

 A freelance writer, Anne M. Kozak recently retired as professor emerita from College of the Atlantic. A lecturer in photography at College of the Atlantic, Josh Winer, owner of Acadia Photo Safari, leads photography tours. A 2022 graduate of Champlain College with a communications major, Sam Putnam combined his technical skills with Winer's in ensuring the high resolution of the photographs.