Noddle's Island facts for kids
Noddle's Island was once one of the many islands in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. Today, most of the land that was Noddle's Island is part of a neighborhood called East Boston. It's no longer a separate island because the water channels around it were filled in during the early 1900s.
The building of Logan International Airport in the 20th century also changed the shape of the land a lot. The airport was built by filling in the muddy areas between Noddle's Island and other nearby islands like Governor's, Bird, and Apple islands. Sometimes, you might see the name spelled "Noodle's Island."
History of Noddle's Island
For over 300 years, this island was known as Noddle's Island. It was named after William Noddle, who likely settled there in the 1620s. This was even before the city of Boston was officially started by the Puritans. The island was used for grazing farm animals like cows and sheep. There was also a strong, fortified building on the island for protection. William Noddle, who lived in Salem, sadly died in 1632 when his canoe flipped over in the South River.
Early Owners and Settlers
In the late 1620s or early 1630s, an Anglican clergyman named Rev. Samuel Maverick became the owner of the island. He got the island through his wife's family. During the 1600s, a group called the First Baptist Church of Boston secretly met on the island. They did this to avoid being treated badly by the Puritan leaders who were in charge of the area at the time.
Noddle's Island in Wartime
Noddle's Island played an important role during the American Revolutionary War. It was the site of the second battle of the Revolution, also known as the Battle of Chelsea Creek. This was also the first time American cannons were used in a battle.
After the British forces left Boston Harbor, the island was used as a hospital in 1780 for the French Navy. The French sailors called it "L'ile de France" (The Island of France) and many of them were buried there. After this, the people of Boston built up the island's defenses. They created a strong earthwork, which was like a fort made of earth, called "Noddle's Island Fort." This was a rebuilt version of an older British fort. Later, it was rebuilt again and renamed Fort Strong during the War of 1812, after Governor Caleb Strong.
