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Castle Island
Castle Island can be found in
South Boston, sitting on the shoreline of Boston Harbor, on 22
marvelous acres, of recreation and history, since the former fort
called William and Mary. It was named after the king and queen of
England, fighting against France at the time for control of the new
world. One of the most infamous prisoners ever held here was the
privateer Pierre Maisonnat dit Baptisite during the early years of
the 18th century. In 1779, it was renamed Fort Independence, and is
considered one of the oldest forts in North America, and later
became the site of the first state prison in Massachusetts. The
current fort occupying the land was constructed during the years
1834 and 1851 and is the eighth generation of forts, now listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. In the beginning of the
revolution, during the siege that was attempted by the British on
the citizens of the city, the fort, called Castle William became the
main camp for military operations by the British. Many Tories came
to the island seeking refuge from the ravages of the war, as well as
many leaders of the Massachusetts royal administration and their
families.
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