NPS Photo This small island features a rock-strewn gravel beach and a large oak tree. Located in Hingham Bay, Button Island is owned and operated by the Town of Hingham. At high tide, the island occupies less than 1 acre. General InformationThis island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the Town of Hingham. Visitor Facilities & Services
Short HistoryPrior to European settler colonization, Indigenous peoples likely used the island seasonally. Colonists likely removed trees to use for firewood. An 1893 account (The History of Hingham, "Ancient Landmarks") describes Button as "a little heap of rock and gravel, bearing no trees or shrubs and but little grass, is not worth visiting." The island now supports about twenty trees and a dense understory of brambles. Natural History OverviewVegetationAn enormous oak tree grows on the island, which must have been planted shortly after the island's unsympathetic description as a barren island in the 1893 History of Hingham, "Ancient Landmarks." Several smaller but mature oaks, linden cedars, and sumac cover the island. Shrub species include bayberry and dewberry. Grasses and sea lavender are abundant in the tidal zone. WildlifePlease see Animals page for more information. GeologyThe island rises 10 feet in elevation and is composed primarily of glacial till. The island is bounded by small rock outcrops, boulders, sand, and mudflats with salt grass. Views and VistasViews from Button are of the surrounding islands and mainland areas, including Ragged and Sarah Islands, Worlds End, and Hingham Harbor. Structures
|
Last updated: November 30, 2023