Rainsford Island

aerial shot of a small island in the shape of a music note.

NPS Photo

A variety of wildflowers brighten the landscape of the island.

Located amidst several of the larger islands in Quincy Bay, Rainsford Island holds a diverse history, with only scattered foundations remaining.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the City of Boston.

 

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: There are several unimproved trails on the island.

 

Short History

Prior to European settler colonization, Indigenous peoples accessed the island. During the colonial period, colonists occupied the island and farmed and grazed the land. Institutional use of the island began in 1737 and extended with interruptions for nearly two hundred years until 1925. During this time, the island served as a quarantine hospital, almshouse, veterans hospital, and boys reform school. During the 1800s, a resort house was also located on the island. Only foundations remain today. The island has never supported military facilities.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

Meadow grasses, hardwoods, sumac groves can be found on the island.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

The island is composed of two drumlins, reaching an elevation of 49 feet. The island bluffs are eroding on the north side but are partially protected by a dilapidated seawall on the northern and eastern sides. The shoreline is predominantly rocky with a sandy cove in the south side.

Water Features

Views and Vistas

One can see the Blue Hills, Hull, Gallops, Georges, Hangman, Long, Moon, and Peddocks Islands, and Quincy from the island.

 

Structures

  • Remains of foundations

  • None

  • Pier remains - east and west shores
  • Granite seawall along northern and eastern shore - crumbling in sections
  • Stonewall remnants

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 223-8666

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