Fort Entrance: A Trap For Invaders
Welcome to our web page! Here, you can take a virtual tour of the Fort. We truly believe that experiencing it in person is the best way to appreciate its beauty. Enjoy your visit!
As you enter, hear the clanking metal and feel the intensity. This entrance is crucial; it serves as a strong barrier. Two sturdy doors and a sliding gate secure the space and keep intruders out. The granite walls conceal openings that allow soldiers to defend against anyone trapped behind the locked doors.
If you turn left after entering, you’ll pass through the first door into the fort’s main area. This space once housed officers and their families. In 1976, the DCR renovated it, adding modern touches while preserving its historic charm. Next, head into the Model Room. Here, you’ll see models and pictures, donated to offer a glimpse into the fort’s past.
Parade Grounds: A Vital Lifeline For The Defending Army
The Parade Grounds were once bustling with activity. Below, 94-foot wells offered a steady supply of drinking water for the Island’s people. Being self-sufficient was vital. It helped the fort keep its troops supplied, even during attacks.
Bakery That Baked Bread Everyday For 500 Soldiers
The Fort’s bakery got a restoration back in the 1970s, and it still has its charm.
Look at the picture below and you’ll see a mix of old and new bricks. The original brick floor, firebox, ash door, and vent damper all helped make some amazing bread. These features were essential during the Civil War, when the bakery fed over 500 men. The kitchen staff would get produce from local gardens and buy supplies from boats that came to market. Local craftspeople would sell their goods to the people at the Fort right at the pier.
US Army private Ira S. Pettit wrote in his 1862 diary, “New recruits love the bread at the Fort, but they’re disappointed there’s no cake or pie.” Even though there were cows on the island, only high-ranking officers got milk for their coffee. Everyone else had to make do with water or rationed supplies from market boats.
Taken from Castle Island and Fort Independence a book by William J. Reid
Ramp: A Path To Power
This ramp serves as the sole entry point for wheeled vehicles to reach the upper level, and it’s distinguished by a collection of flags representing various colonial militia units, alongside significant fort flags. Together, these flags evoke a strong sense of American resilience.
Among them is the Bedford Flag, the oldest known militia flag in the US history. It was the flag carried by the Bedford Minuteman, Nathaniel Page, to the Concord Bridge on April 19, 1775.
Front IV
Take a moment to admire the beautiful view of Pleasure Bay and Dorchester Harbor from the ramparts. On your left, you can see the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the Dorchester Gas Tank, and the lovely Blue Hills Reservation. Each of these places tells a story from American history. If you turn right, you’ll notice the Old North Church Tower and the Bunker Hill Monument, two iconic landmarks that add to the charm of the skyline. Enjoy exploring!
More than ten thousand years before the Europeans arrived, Native Americans made the Blue Hills area their home. The natives referred to themselves as Massachusett, or “people of the great hills.”
On the inside wall of the Fort, you’ll find over 100 flags on the upper levels. We kick it off with British flags from the colonial era. From there, we show how the American Flag has changed over time. It starts with the original 13-star Continental Colors back in 1775. We take you through its evolution from the fight for independence to the birth of the United States, and finally, the modern 50-star American Flag.
Honoring The US Military at Front V
This section proudly displays the flags of the six branches of the US military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and the newly established US Space Force. Beyond these, a collection of individual flags of the 50 states wave in the order they joined the Union.
This is an 8-inch Civil War siege gun. It played an important role in defending against infantry and small boats. With an impressive range of 1,200 yards, it has a notable impact on the battlefield. In fact, during battles, about half of its shells landed within a 50-yard radius of the target. This shows just how skilled 19th-century artillery was!
Bastion A Defending Boston’s Shores
To enter Bastion A, go down a short tunnel under a dirt bunker. This tunnel leads from the inner rampart to the outside battery. You’ll find two gun emplacements for 15-inch Rodman coast defense cannons. The original cannons are missing, but a replica remains to show their great power.
You can watch a video of the tunnel to the ramifications.
The troops had a strong advantage with their position. It let them watch the Inner Harbor Entrance with careful attention. This made it harder for ships to sneak in. Both guns had a clear view down the main ship channel. The cannon on the right was well-placed to stop ships trying to pass between Spectacle Island and Thompson Island. This gun could fire a 400 lb smoothbore cannonball about 3.5 miles. A crew of 15 men was necessary to load and fire with precision.
Up at the gun’s muzzle, you get a sweeping panoramic view from south to east: University of Massachusetts Boston, John F Kennedy Library, Blue Hills, Squantum, Thompson Island, the northern edge of Moon Island, and Spectacle Island.
The Walkway: A Soldier’s Perilous Path
Moving north along the Fort’s iron walkway, imaging a time when soldiers walked these same paths without the safety of modern railing. Installed during the 1970s, these steel additions contrast with the harrowing experiences of those who once patrolled this parameter.
Here is where the presentation of the 50 state flags finally ends. Hawaii and Alaska were the last states to join the Union in 1959. Next to them, flags of the US territories wave, representing America’s reach far beyond the mainland.
Bastion B: The Watchful Guard
Like Bastion A, this stronghold houses two Rodman 15-inch cannons, guarding the vital Inner Boston Harbor and what was once Boston Neck.
Logan Airport, located on what used to be Governor’s Island, Apple Island, and Bird Island, has an interesting history! The military opened the airfield in 1923, naming it Military Airfield. Over time, it became known as Jeffery Field and saw exciting expansions in the 1950s, transforming into the Logan Airport we all recognize today. It’s also fascinating to note that Fort Warren was on Governor’s Island, right across from Fort Independence.
This great look going down the Main Channel to inner Boston harbor
McKay Monument Master Shipbuilder
This monument below, honors Donald McKay, a remarkable shipbuilder who changed maritime travel in 1845. He opened a shipyard in East Boston and dedicated over 25 years to creating some of the fastest clipper ships ever made. With their sleek hulls and special concave bows, these ships moved gracefully over the waves. McKay’s vessels had large sails that allowed them to travel quickly. While they could carry less cargo, their speed made them incredibly valuable. During the California Gold Rush and the booming trade with China, McKay’s innovative designs met the growing need for fast ships. His contributions truly made a difference in maritime history!
For more information, here is a link to the Museum of Fine Arts with a model and facts about his state-of-the-art ship, the Flying Cloud.
Importance of Fort Independence During the Civil War
During the Civil War, the area around Fort Point Channel was home to many foundries and machine shops, with the South Boston Iron Works being the most notable. This company had a proud history of forging cannons since the War of 1812. Throughout the Civil War, the factory operated tirelessly to meet the needs of the Union. Before battles, they carefully shipped the cannons to Castle Island for test-firing. This step ensured that the cannons were both accurate and powerful, playing a crucial role in the Union’s defense. Fort Point Channel truly became an important part of the war effort!
To see images going back to 1940, check out the Archive Gallery,
Resources used for this Article:
Castle Island and Fort Independence book by William Reid.
This book can be found at the Boston Public Library or purchased on online on amazom.com
https://www.masshist.org/object-of-the-month/objects/fort-independence-2005-06-01