Peddocks Island is one of the largest islands in Boston Harbor. [1] Since 1996 it has formed part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. The island is located at 42° 17' 32.6" North longitude and 70° 56' 21.6" West latitude. The area of the island is 210.4 acres (0.851 km2). The island is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It lies across Hull Gut from the Pemberton neighborhood of Hull to the north and across West Gut to Nut Island & Houghs Neck to the west.
The island is home to the now-defunct Fort Andrews, active in harbor defense from 1904 to the end of World War II, on its eastern end, and a group of privately-owned cottages on its western end. [2] There are also campsites on the eastern end of the island. Ferry service between Peddocks Island and Georges Island is provided on a seasonal basis.
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Principally used for farming since the early 17th century, Peddocks Island has also served military purposes. During the American Revolutionary War, over 600 militiamen were stationed on the island. In 1904, Fort Andrews was built on the island, and it served as an active harbor defense fort until the end of World War II. As of 2008, 26 of the original buildings of Fort Andrews still stand, although most of them are in decrepit shape and are closed to the public for safety reasons.
In 2008, Peddocks Island was used for filming scenes in Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.[3]
In 2011, Boston granted $7.8 million dollars to renovate the island. This will fund a program in which 11 buildings will be demolished and a further 11 restored, in an attempt to make the island more visitor friendly. Additionally walking and hiking trails will be provided, along with tours of the historical buildings.
There is a freshwater marsh on the southern end of Peddocks Island.
Predominant tree and shrub species on the island include maple, birch, oak, pine, poplar, sumac, and apple. The island is also populated with wild roses and poison ivy.