Millet

The 19th century history of Millet Island is somewhat obscure. In 1785 it was known simply as Island F, the only unnamed island in the Thoroughfare. Evidently no one settled on Millet on a year-round basis, but it is a reasonable assumption that it was used seasonally by fishermen and clammers. There is some evidence of a possible dwelling and an ancient spring on the west side. In 1827 Millet was sold to Hezekiah Rowell, and in 1854 his widow sold it for $25 to Moody Buckminster of Webb Cove. From 1854 to 1901 its property ownership is unclear, but in 1901 Winfield S. Thurlow bought Millet from Whiteford Gross for $225, nine times more than the island's 1896 assessment value. More recently, the well-known local ornithologist Margaret Hundley willed it to [The Nature Conservancy](https://www.nature.org/en-us/) after her death. In 1997 Millet was transferred to the [Island Heritage Trust](https://www.islandheritagetrust.org/) with a deed restriction that it be maintained as a nature preserve.

Although camping is not permitted, day visitors are welcome to enjoy hiking and picnicking. The interior of the island is densely wooded with no trails. Please protect fragile plants along the shore, and stick to the sand and granite ledges that ring the island.

Millet is located to the west of Saddleback Island and east of Spruce Island in Merchant Row. The best access is on the northwest side, where there is a small beach.