Hangman Island facts for kids

Hangman Island, also known as Hayman's Island, is a small island located in the Quincy Bay area. This area is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It's a rocky island, about half an acre in size, and only rises three feet above the water. When the tide goes out, it gets a bit bigger, adding about five more acres of land. You can only get to this island by private boat.

Exploring Hangman Island

If you visit this island by boat, you need to be very careful. There are lots of hidden rocks and shallow areas, called shoals, nearby. It's important to use a special map called a nautical chart to stay safe. There is a small pebbly beach on the southern side of the island.

Boats need to be extra careful when sailing near the island. There are shallow areas that stretch out about 250 yards to the northeast and about 480 yards to the south and southwest. Many rocks and ledges in these areas are hidden when the tide is high. A special marker, a green and white daybeacon, helps boaters know where these shallow spots end to the southwest.

A Bit of History

Back in 1775, an old map from London called the island 'Hayman's Island.' This map showed it as being bigger than it is today. Even though it's called 'Hangman Island,' there's no proof that anyone was ever hanged there. How it got its current name is a bit of a mystery!

In 1882, some fishermen built small huts on the island. They even tried to grow a vegetable garden among the rocks!

Wildlife and Fishing

Since 2006, no one has lived on Hangman Island. It's now a safe place for birds, and people are asked not to land there to protect the wildlife. During the summer, local fishermen like to catch striped bass around the rocks near the island.