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=BUMPKIN ISLAND =



 Approximately 15,000 years ago, Bumpkin Island was formed by a glacier as a drumlin, becoming a part of Weymouth in 1637.  Today, the island is made up of a rock shoreline strewn with an abundance of wildflowers, salt-spray rose, bayberry and staghorn sumac to name a few. As you look out over the water on the southwest side of the island, which is the designated picnic area, panoramic views of Grape Island, Slate Island, Sheep Island, Hingham Islands, as well as other landmasses can be seen. On the northwest side of the island, where the outlook shelter stands, Boston, Peddocks, and Hull are visible. During low tide, an eastern end sand pit on the island connects it to Sunset Point in Hull. Some of the more substantial and recognized buildings that inhabit the island are the pumphouse, stone house walls, mess hall, and the hospital foundation, created in 1902. The Hospital for Crippled Children on Bumpkin Island, in which it was named, was adorned with ramps instead of stairs, being one of the first facilities to use such measures.

After ownership by the town of Weymouth, Bumpkin Island was sold to Samuel Ward, who then passed it along to Harvard College in 1681. For many centuries, Harvard leased the island to farmers who used the land as means to cultivate crops. It wasn't until 1900 that the island was obtained from Harvard by Albert Burrage, who subsequently went on to build a hospital for disabled children. However, the federal government took hold of the land as World War I began, but abandoned it shortly after the end of the war. In 1973, Bumpkin Island was recognized as a part of the Boston Harbor Islands State Park. Today, the island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area.

As one of the few islands that permits overnight camping, visitors can use 10 indivudual campsites or one large groupsite from the end of June to the beginning of September. The island does not contain any food or drinking resources, except for water, so one must provide their own meals. However, the island is equipped with grills to allow for cooking. A caution that vistors may want to take note of is the large amount of poison ivy on the island. Though it seems that it is quite controlled along the trails.

Known as a serene atmosphere, Bumpkin Island offers open fields, shell beaches, and walking trails, epitomizing the very essence of relaxation.

__Vistor's Information__ Please visit: [|Bumpkin Island's official website] or Contact info line: 617-223-8666