Fort Andrews

Fort Andrews is an artillery installation occupying the northeast section of Peddocks Island, with concrete fortifications, barracks, officers' quarters, and a former military hospital scattered across the coastal area. The structures form a typical late 19th-century coastal defense layout designed to protect Boston Harbor's southern approaches.

The fort was built in 1897 as part of Boston's coastal defense system and equipped with sixteen mortars arranged in four separate pits. This installation became a key component in modernizing harbor protection along the American East Coast.

The fort site was once home to a Portuguese fishing community before becoming a military installation, marking a shift in how the island was used. This transition from civilian to military presence still shapes how visitors understand the place today.

The site is accessible by seasonal ferry service from Boston, with guided tours offered from May through October. Plan your visit around these seasonal schedules and wear sturdy footwear, as pathways across the island grounds can be uneven and exposed to the elements.

During World War II, roughly 1300 Italian prisoners were housed at the fort and received payment for their labor. These detainees maintained regular contact with local residents, leaving behind traces of their presence throughout the island.