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Event
Explore Rainsford Island, Boston Harbor
Liz Carella - Curator of Photography will lead a tour and share historical photographs of the people and life on Rainsford Island. You may (also) explore the island on your own. Maps will be provided. Depart Rowes Wharf Water Transport, Rowes Wharf Boston at 10:00a.m. and return to the dock at 2:00p,m.
Rainsford Island is a 50-foot drumlin, natural coves facing south and southwest, separated by rock outcropping Pebbles and rock beach, shell deposits. In about 1636, Edward Rainsford was granted the island for farm use. In 1737, a quarantine hospital was moved to Rainsford Island from Spectacle Island and operated there until 1852. During this time, Rainsford Island was a popular summer resort.
In 1832 a small-pox hospital was built (a stone Greek-temple design), and many victims of infectious diseases were buried on the island in. In about 1852, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the island and established an almshouse. The state abandoned the site in about 1866, and the City converted the island into a poorhouse. Civil War Veterans lived there until 1882, when they were transferred to a Soldiers Home on the mainland. Beginning in 1882, female paupers were sent to Rainsford. Later it was a facility for boys: the Suffolk School for Boys. In 1920, the school was closed. Now only foundation holes remain visible. (from the City of Boston)
Further details:
Pack a picnic, as well as, extra shoes as they may get wet departing and returning to the vessel. A moderate activity level and stability is necessary for this trip since the boat will do a beach landing, and the island has rocky/uneven paths and walking areas. There is no rest room on the boat or the island. To learn more about Rainsford Island visit: http://fbhi.org/rainsford-island.html
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LocationRainsford Island via Rowes Wharf Water Transport, Boston (View)
60 Rowes Wharf (behind the Boston Harbor Hotel)
Boston, MA 02110
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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