The Graves (Massachusetts) facts for kids
The Graves is a group of rocky islands located in Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts, USA. These small islands are about 11 miles (18 km) away from downtown Boston. They are the furthest islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
The Graves is home to The Graves Light, which is a very tall lighthouse. It stands 113 feet (34 m) high, making it the tallest lighthouse in Boston Harbor. This lighthouse is super important for guiding ships safely in and out of Boston's port.
What are The Graves?
The Graves islands are quite small, covering about 1.8 acres of land. They rise about 15 feet (4.6 m) above the sea level. You won't find many plants growing here, mostly just water-loving plants. The islands are owned by a private person, not the government. However, the lighthouse's light and foghorn are looked after by the Coast Guard. Because it's privately owned and has important equipment, The Graves is not open for people to visit.
Who was Thomas Graves?
The Graves islands are named after a person called Thomas Graves. He was an important trader in the early days of colonial Massachusetts. He was also a rear admiral in the English Navy. Sadly, he was killed in a battle against the Dutch in 1653.
Location and History
The Graves islands are located northeast of an area called the Roaring Bulls. They are also far northwest of a place known as Three and One-half Fathom Ledge.
In 1903, the state of Massachusetts gave control of The Graves to the Federal Government. This was done so that a lighthouse could be built there. Before this, The Graves was not officially part of any town. The United States Lighthouse Service managed The Graves Light until 1939. At that time, it became part of the United States Coast Guard. Later, in 2013, The Graves Light was no longer needed by the Coast Guard and was sold to a private owner.
