Spinnaker Island (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Spinnaker Island is a small piece of land in Hingham Bay, which is part of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts, USA. It used to be called Park Island, Hog Island, or Little Hog Island. This island is connected by a bridge to the town of Hull. Spinnaker Island is special because it's one of the few islands in Boston Harbor that isn't part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area or the city of Boston.
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A Look Back: Spinnaker Island's Past
Early Land Deals on the Island
Back in 1636, a group called the Boston Board of Selectmen made an important decision. These selectmen were like local leaders who managed the town. They decided to give land in a place now called Winthrop, Massachusetts, to two people. This was done so these people would give up their claims to land on what is now Spinnaker Island.
Fort Duvall: A Military Base
In 1920, a military base called Fort Duvall was built on the island. It was a Coast Artillery fort, which means it was designed to protect the coast. The fort had two very large 16-inch guns. These guns were later made even stronger with thick concrete walls just before World War II started.
One of these old concrete gun positions can still be seen today. It is located under a group of homes called condominiums at the north end of the island. This old fort area is now used for parking cars. After World War II ended, the fort was no longer needed by the military.
Missile Defense and School Use
In the 1950s, the island became a key part of a missile defense system. It housed the Integrated Fire Control (IFC) and radar systems for a Nike missile site. Radar uses radio waves to detect objects, like planes or missiles. The actual missile launchers were located across Hingham Bay, in what is now Webb Memorial State Park.
This missile site was closed down in 1974. After that, the island was used by the Hull public school system for a while.
Spinnaker Island Today: Homes and a Marina
In 1987, the island was changed again. A new owner developed it into a complex with condominiums and a marina. Condominiums are like apartments that people own. A marina is a place where boats can be docked. At this time, the island was given its current name, Spinnaker Island.
