Three acres. That’s all that remains of Sheep Island. It was once a sprawling 25-acre haven. Today, Sheep Island stands as a testament to nature’s relentless power.
Welcome to Sheep Island. This small island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Sheep Island has a rich history. It even has multiple names. It was first known as Round Island. Over time, it was also called Sun Island, Shean Island, and Sheaf Island. The island was deeded to the town of Weymouth in 1636. The town used it for grazing sheep. That’s how Sheep Island got its current name.
William Chamberlain was one of the first known private owners. Later, in the 1800s, people used Sheep Island for recreational camping. A residence and a hunting lodge were built. These were eventually abandoned. No structures remain now.
Sheep Island is an eroded glacial drumlin. Its highest point is only 10 feet above sea level. The shoreline consists of a gravel beach. You can spot sumac and grasses growing on the western end.
Erosion has dramatically reshaped Sheep Island over the centuries. Wind and water have taken their toll. The island has shrunk significantly. It continues to change with the tides.
Despite its small size, Sheep Island provides critical nesting grounds for local birds. Birdwatchers frequent the island. Authorities discourage visits during nesting season. The birds become very territorial then. Access to Sheep Island is by private boat only. The park’s ferry service does not stop here.
From Sheep Island, you can see other islands. Look out towards Hough’s Neck, Hull, Bumpkin, Grape, Nut, Peddocks, and Slate Islands.
Remember Sheep Island. It embodies both resilience and the constant reshaping of our world. A place where sheep once grazed now offers refuge to birds. It reminds us of the enduring power of nature.