South Boston Army Base facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Boston Army Base |
|
|---|---|
| South Boston, Massachusetts | |
Boston Army Base, reactivated World War I installation, Boston Port of Embarkation.
|
|
| Type | Army port of embarkation |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1918 |
| In use | 1918 — 1974 |
The South Boston Army Base was an important military site in South Boston. It was a large area, about 58 acres, used by the United States Army. This base had a few different names over the years, including the Boston Quartermaster Terminal and the Army Supply Base. In 1937, it officially became known as the Boston Army Base.
This base was first approved in April 1918 and started working in October 1918. It played a key role during both World War I and World War II. During these wars, it helped move soldiers and supplies. The base stopped operating in 1974.
Contents
History of the Boston Army Base
The Army Supply Base was approved on April 5, 1918. It was built with docks (called piers), large storage buildings (warehouses), a train yard, and open areas for storing goods. These facilities were located on Summner Street, facing the reserved channel and Dry Dock Avenue in South Boston. The base officially opened on October 25, 1918.
During World War I, the Boston Army Base was a smaller part of the larger New York Port of Embarkation. A "port of embarkation" is a special place where troops and supplies gather before traveling overseas. In 1937, the facility was officially renamed the Boston Army Base.
In 1920, the United States Department of War (which is now called the Department of Defense) bought a large piece of land known as the Commonwealth Flats. This land was then divided between the South Boston Naval Annex and the Boston Quartermaster Terminal. Trains could reach the base using a special railway line called Track 61.
Exploring Antarctica from Boston
In 1939, an exciting expedition to Antarctica began at the South Boston Army Base. The ship, USMS North Star, set sail from here as part of the 1939-1941 United States Antarctic Service Expedition. This journey was led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, a famous explorer, who used the North Star as his main ship.
A very unique vehicle called the Antarctic Snow Cruiser was also on board the North Star. This huge machine had traveled 1,000 miles from Chicago to Boston all by itself before being loaded onto the ship. It was an amazing feat of engineering for its time.
The Base During World War II
During World War II, the Boston Army Base became very busy. It was used to store and send out military goods and supplies. It also helped organize the movement of troops. Soldiers would gather at Camp Myles Standish in Taunton before coming to the Boston Army Base to leave for overseas.
From 1942 until 1970, the base mainly served as a terminal for military ships. These ships transported soldiers and equipment to different places in Europe. After World War II ended, the base was used less, and some of its buildings started to show wear and tear.
Vietnam War Protests and Closure
From 1965 to 1982, the South Boston Army Base was home to the Armed Forces Entrance and Examination Station (AFEES). This was where young people from eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island went to join the military. During the Vietnam War, there were many protests against the military draft held at this location. People gathered to share their opinions about the war.
In 1974, the Boston Army Base officially closed down. Later, in the 1980s, the City of Boston bought the land. It then became part of the Boston Marine Industrial Park.
The Base Today
Today, the area that was once the South Boston Army Base is a busy place with many different companies. These businesses have moved into the former base land over the years. The land has also been used by Sail Boston to host large ships when they visit the city, especially at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.
See also
