NPS Photo/ R. Vincent This rugged Island, once home to a colony of fishermen, now is a haven for wildlife. General InformationMiddle Brewster Island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Visitor Facilities & ServicesAccess to Middle Brewster is discouraged. There is no docking—boaters must anchor offshore.
Short HistoryFishermen constructed huts on the island in the mid-1800s. A few affluent Bostonians chose Middle Brewster as a retreat during the Guilded Age of the late 1800s. The World Wars during the early 1900s ended recreational use of the island. The island is difficult to access and serves primarily as a nesting site for gulls and cormorants. Interesting vestiges of the summer homes remain including fireplaces, stone walls, and a stone arch that formerly supported a bell. Natural History OverviewVegetationThe island is sparsely covered with small trees, sumac, and grasses. Further research is needed to determine whether cultivated plants remain from occupation during the 1800s. WildlifePlease see Animals page for more information. GeologyComposed of rocky outcrops, the island rises to an elevation of 52 feet. Between Middle and Outer Brewster the channel is known as the "Flying Place" because of the intense wave action during northeast storms. Water FeaturesNo constructed water features likely. A small freshwater marsh exists on the eastern side. Views and VistasFrom the inner harbor, the island is obscured by Great Brewster and Calf Islands. On the island there are excellent views of the surrounding outer harbor islands, The Graves, and Hull, and partial views of the Boston skyline. Structures
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Last updated: November 30, 2023