I drive or walk by Passamaquoddy Bay every morning and when getting to my desk for work I see that Microsoft has updated with its latest and greatest something they call "Copilot", Microsoft's AI ( artificial intelligence) option. Today I tried using AI and asked, "Can you write about the history of Passamaquoddy Bay?" This is the answer I got back.
"Sent by Copilot:
Certainly! Passamaquoddy Bay is a fascinating area with a rich history. Here’s an overview:
Geographical Significance
Passamaquoddy Bay is an inlet of the Bay of Fundy, located between the U.S. state of Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The bay is primarily within Canada, with its western shore bounded by Washington County, Maine1.
Historical Background
The bay’s name is derived from the Passamaquoddy people, an indigenous Native American tribe of eastern Maine. The Passamaquoddy Tribe is part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, which also includes the Penobscot, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, and Abenaki tribes2.
Early European Contact
The Passamaquoddy were among the first Native Americans to have contact with Europeans. The wide bays along the Maine coast attracted fishermen and explorers as early as the sixteenth century3. The Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812, included provisions for dividing the islands of Passamaquoddy Bay between the United States and Great Britain1.
Cultural and Economic Life
Traditionally, the Passamaquoddy people followed the seasons and the migration of animals and fish. They lived in the deep forest during winter to hunt large game, gathered at river waterfalls in spring to catch salmon, lived along the coast in summer to gather shellfish and fish, and followed large game during the fall mating season2.
Modern Times
Today, the Passamaquoddy Tribe is located in two reservation communities in Maine: Indian Township and Pleasant Point, as well as a community in New Brunswick, Canada2. Despite historical challenges, the tribe continues to preserve its cultural heritage and traditions.
Passamaquoddy Bay remains a significant area both historically and culturally, reflecting the rich heritage of the Passamaquoddy people and their enduring connection to the land and sea.
Sipayik Pasamaquoddy Days
Traditionally, the second week of August is the annual celebration known as Pasamaquoddy Days. We've heard from guests coming to Rossport that the 2024 dates of Passamaquoddy Days are August 8 - 11 and that This will be the 58th anniversary. The celebrations are very close to Rossport by the Sea. as well as in-town Eastport. "
Is there anything specific you’d like to know more about?"
I was going to ask "Copilot" even more as it was a unique experience, but I stopped.
I thought No! Wouldn't it be better to wait until sitting in an Adirondack chair on the deck here on the campus of Rossport by the Sea? Imagine the immersive power of learning and sharing information with the person sitting next to you ( a human copilot) or maybe sharing virtually with your copilots back home about what you're experiencing. It's remarkable ( the technology) but not as astoundingly remarkable as being a part of Passamaquoddy even if only for a few days.
What AI wrote isn't bad. It just takes what others have done and rewrites it but if you want more in your own research about Passamaquoddy, add words or phrases like smuggling, war of 1812, Benedict Arnold, and maybe even try pirates, FDR, or the Seabees to your search about Passamaquoddy. The adventure and history of Passamaquoddy might surprise you. Seeing, doing, learning, exploring, and enjoying are just around the corner here along the Downeast Maine Bold Coast.
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