South Boston Army Base facts for kids

The South Boston Army Base was a large area used by the United States Army in South Boston. It covered about 58 acres of land. During World War II, it was known as the Boston Port of Embarkation. This base was active for many years, from 1920 until 1974. It played an important role in moving supplies and soldiers.

History of the Base

The South Boston Army Base has an interesting past. It started as a key military site. Over the years, it helped the Army in different ways.

How the Base Started

The United States government bought a big piece of land in 1920. This land was part of an area called the Commonwealth Flats. The government then divided this land. One part became the South Boston Naval Annex. The other part became the South Boston Army Base. A special train track, called Track 61, helped bring supplies to the base.

Its Role in World War II

During World War II, the base became very busy. It was used to store and send out military goods. These goods included supplies and equipment for soldiers. The base also helped organize troop movements. Soldiers would gather at places like Camp Myles Standish in Taunton. From there, they would be sent to the Boston Port of Embarkation. After the war ended, the base became less active. Many of its buildings started to show wear and tear.

When the Base Closed

The South Boston Army Base officially closed in 1974. In the 1980s, the City of Boston bought the land. It then became part of the Boston Marine Industrial Park. This marked the end of its time as an Army base.

The Base Today

Today, the area that was once the Army base looks very different. Many companies have moved into the old base land. They use the space for their businesses. Also, events like Sail Boston use parts of the land. They host large ships at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. This terminal is on land that used to be part of the base.