National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation AreaMinutes Away. Worlds Apart.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Island Facts: Snake Island
 

This island's mduflats and grassy clearings offer excellent off-shire birding opportunities.


 
Short History
The island is named for its serpentine shape. In the 1680s, it was known as "Bare Island." Some time in the 1700s, the island was owned by John Tenny. Livestock was grazed on the island. In the 1900s, a grounded steamer served as residence for the Treworgy brothers, lobstermen from Winthrop. Owned by the Tewksburys, Belchers, then Captain Samuel G. Irwin. Around 1900, O. E. Lewis purchased the island. Later squatters with cabins on the island were lobstermen and clammers, and included James Adams, Horton D. Fullerton, Bill Carey, John Green, and Judson G. Fullerton, and Hunt. Squatters were ordered to leave by the Winthrop Board of Health. The island has also been used as a recreational destination by Winthrop residents.
 

General Information
This island of Boston Harbor Islands national park area is managed by the Town of Winthrop.

Agency Designation:  Conservation land
Current Use:  Conservation purposes
Harbor Location:  Inner Harbor
Acreage:  3.00 upland acres
Highest elevation:  10 feet
Longitude: 42° 21' 37.4" North
Latitude:
70° 58' 50.8" West
Miles from Long Wharf:  5.333
 
Visitor Facilities & Services
Hours:
Piers/Docks:
No
Visitor season:
0
Boat slips:
0
Visitor staff:
No
Moorings:
0
Guided tours:
No
Park boats:
None
Lifeguards:
No
Car access:
No
Flush toilets:
No
Campsites:
0 (capacity ea: 0
Composting toilets:
No
Group campsites:
0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
No
Camping capacity:
0
Refreshments:
No
Cooking grills:
No
Drinking water:
Yes
Walking trails:
No

On-island Circulation:  Unimproved trails.

Visitor Cautions:  Resident birds are very territorial during nesting: visitation is discouraged during this season.

 
Natural History Overview
Wildlife
Survey in progress.

Water Features
No constructed features.

Views and Vistas
Logan International Airport; town of Winthrop; Deer Island.
 
Structures
Buildings
  • None
Fortifications
  • None
Other Structures
  • None
 
Alternate Names
Island names have changed, depending on ownership and the customs of the times. What's in a Name? lists alternate names for park islands (and a few Harbor islands not within the park). Following is another known name for Snake Island:
  • Bare Island
Snake Island Map
Map of Snake Island
Open PDF of Snake Island.
more...
Boston's Long Wharf Today  

Did You Know?
Public ferries to Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area leave from Long Wharf, the oldest continuously used wharf in the United States. It was aptly named Long Wharf in 1710 as it stretched 1,586 feet into the port of Boston making it the longest wharf in America.
more...

Last Updated: December 19, 2008 at 19:10 EST