This island of diverse habitats is home to Outward Bound education center.

The island is home to Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, a non-profit organization that puts people in fun but challenging situations in order to help them develop teamwork, compassion and self-confidence. Activities include sailing, climbing, leadership training and environmental exploration.

The island’s services include: summertime expeditions for youths ages 12-13; team building programs for youth groups and Outward Bound professional-corporate teambuilding; and Thompson Island Conference Center offering catered clambakes, company outings, parties, weddings and meetings.

The island’s natural features include a drumlin and a moraine; oak, tamarack, maple, and birch trees; open fields, wild flowers, and berry bushes; a pond; and 50 acres of salt marsh. It is home to many animals, including killdeer, herons, and hermit crabs.

Short History
In 1626, Thompson Island was a Native American trading post. In 1833, the Boston Asylum for Boys was moved to the island, and in 1835 the asylum merged with the Boston Farm School Society to become the Soton Farm and Trade School. Its vocational and farming emphasis remained until the middle of the 20th century when it was renamed Thompson Academy.

General Information
This island of Boston Harbor Islands national park area is managed by Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center (TIOBEC).

Agency Designation: Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center
Current Use: Education; park purposes
Harbor Location: Inner Harbor
Acreage:    169.9 upland acres
Highest elevation:  78 feet
Longitude: 42° 18' 53.6" North
Latitude: 71° 0' 53.3" West
Miles from Long Wharf:  4.33

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:	Summer Sundays or through TIOBEC.	Piers/Docks:	Yes
Visitor season:	Summer	Boat slips:	0
Visitor staff:	Yes	Moorings:	0
Guided tours:	Yes	Park boats:	Park tour boat
Lifeguards:	No	Car access:	No
Flush toilets:	Yes	Campsites:	0 (capacity ea: 0
Composting toilets:	Yes	Group campsites:	0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:	Yes	Camping capacity:	0
Refreshments:	No	Cooking grills:	No
Drinking water:	Yes	Walking trails:	Yes

On-island Circulation: ISLAND OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC ON SUNDAYS DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. Approximately one half mile of paved roads are located in the school complex and two miles of gravel roads extend along the length of the island. Paths extend throughout the campus area and into woodland areas.

Visitor Cautions: Unsupervised use of rope courses is dangerous and is marked with warning signs.

Natural History Overview
Vegetation
The island is a mix of hardwood tree stands, remnant pear and apple orchards, ornamental trees and shrubs, open meadows, shrubby areas of successional growth, sumac groves, salt marsh grasses, and manicured lawns, including a soccer field.

Wildlife
Survey in progress.

Geology
The island’s highest drumlin rises to an elevation of 78 feet on the northeastern half of the island, where the school complex is located. The remainder of the island is composed of low rolling hills dissected by a wetland and salt marsh. At low tide, a sandspit and mudflats on the south side of the island almost connect with Squantum.

Water Features
Further study required.

Views and Vistas
Views to Dorchester, Downtown Boston, South Boston, Quincy (Squantum), and Long, Moon, Spectacle, and Castle Islands.

Structures
Buildings

• The following is a rough list of buildings, and foundations—further verification is needed:
• • Gymnasium
  • Picnic and boat Shed
  • Maintenance Building
  • Corn Barn
  • Small shed
  • Foundation of Poultry barn
  • Composting Toilet near orchard
  • Staff residence (along campus access road)
  • Foundation of administration building designed by Charles Bulfinch
  • Gardner Hall
  • Hughes Building
  • Office building
  • Dormitory (2)
  • Faculty house (2)
  • Dining hall
  • Foundation of compost shed
  • Foundation of weather station
  • Foundation of root cellar
  • Foundation of barn (barely evident)

Fortifications

• None

Other Structures

• Pier
• Stone walls
• Wood retaining wall
• Alpine towers and ropes courses
• Fencing for livestock (pigs)
• Interpretive signs throughout the island

Comments
Public tours are provided on summer weekends and at other times by arrangement.