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Forts of Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Throughout its history, Boston Harbor held a strategic importance in wartime. First the British and later the United States government built military outposts and forts across the Boston Harbor Islands to prevent an attack from the sea. During the 1800s and 1900s, the US military continued to update forts in alignment with new advancements in defense systems and technologies. From behind imposing walls, the heavy guns of the island forts overlooked the harbor and protected it for over a century. Though their defenses were never tested in battle and some no longer remain visible today, these forts nonetheless played an important role in the history of Boston and of the United States.

Learn more about these historic structures using the interactive map below.

Map Description: Map of Boston Harbor, with the islands and peninsulas that make up Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park outlined and shaded in green. Nine gray points on several islands, Hull, East Boston, and South Boston mark the different forts. The identified forts are listed below.

Explore the Forts

Showing results 1-9 of 9

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Warren
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Designed and built from the 1830s to the 1860s, Fort Warren is an extant example of a Third System-era fortification. Over the years, Fort Warren played an important role in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Andrews
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Constructed at the beginning of the 1900s and active throughout both World Wars, Fort Andrews on Peddocks Island served as a key component of Boston Harbor’s defense system.
Boston National Historical Park
Fort Independence - Castle William
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park
Explore the history of Fort Independence (Castle William), including its role during the Revolutionary War and Siege of Boston.
Fort Revere
- Locations: Boston National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Revere stands on Telegraph Hill in Hull. The fort played an important role in the defense of Boston Harbor throughout history, from the colonial era to World War II.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Standish
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
One of the last forts constructed in Boston Harbor, Fort Standish on Lovells Island defended the entrance to the Harbor during the World Wars.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Dawes
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Dawes, formerly located on Deer Island, served as a crucial part of the defense of Boston Harbor during World War II. It primarily operated as a station for naval observation and monitoring.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Duvall
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Located on Spinnaker Island, Fort Duvall primarily saw action during World War II. Similar to other forts, it contained heavy artillery for defending Boston Harbor.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Winthrop
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
One of the older forts in Boston Harbor, Fort Winthrop defended Governors Island from 1808 until its abandonment in 1905.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Fort Strong - Camp Wightman
- Locations: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
From its prominent position near the center of the harbor, Fort Strong protected Long Island and Boston Harbor for nearly a century.