Slate Island

This island is relatively inaccessible due to the dense thickets of poison ivy, raspberry, and barberry.

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Short History
The island was occupied seasonally by Native Americans. Colonists extracted slate from the island. During the 1800s the island was occupied by a hermit. The island also served as a summer camp and was privately held until the 1970s.

 

General Information
This island of Boston Harbor Islands national park area is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Agency Designation: Harbor Islands Reservation
Current Use: Park purposes
Harbor Location: Hingham Bay
Acreage: 12.70 upland acres
Highest elevation: 32 feet
Longitude: 42° 16' 0.61" North
Latitude: 70° 54' 44.5" West
Miles from Long Wharf: 10.5

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:	9:00 am - sunset	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 no trails on the island due to the abundance of poison ivy.

Visitor Cautions: Abundant poison ivy.

 

Natural History Overview
Vegetation
Poison ivy, grasses, salt-spray rose, sumac and ferns.

Wildlife
Survey in progress.

Geology
The island consists of slate outcrops covered with glacial till and rises to an elevation of 32 feet. The slate outcrops are surrounded by a rocky shoreline and extensive mudflats that connect the island to Hingham at low tide.

Water Features
Further research required.

Views and Vistas
Hingham, Hull, Bumpkin, Grape, Peddocks, Worlds End.

 

Structures
Buildings

• None

Fortifications

• None

Other Structures

• Quarry remains