Anchored in time, Button Island whispers tales of resilience. Here in Hingham Bay, part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, this seemingly insignificant islet holds a surprisingly rich history. Button Island, less than an acre at high tide, may appear small, but its story stretches back centuries. Native Americans once used Button Island seasonally. They likely harvested its trees for firewood long before European settlers arrived. Imagine their canoes gliding through these waters, the island a familiar landmark in their yearly rhythms. By the late 19th century, Button Island had been stripped bare. A writer at the time described it as a “little heap of rock and gravel, bearing no trees or shrubs.” He even deemed it “not worth visiting.” Yet, Button Island defied this bleak assessment. A single, magnificent oak tree now stands sentinel on the island. Planted sometime after that dismal description, the oak symbolizes the island’s tenacity. Several other mature oaks, along with linden, cedars, and sumacs, have also taken root, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Bayberry and dewberry shrubs intertwine, while grasses and sea lavender flourish in the intertidal zone. Button Island today, though still small, boasts a permanent size of under an acre. The intertidal zone adds another 116 acres to its footprint. The island rises a mere 10 feet above the sea, composed mainly of glacial till. Though owned by the Town of Hingham and not open to the public, Button Island remains a vital part of the harbor’s tapestry. Its story is a testament to the enduring power of nature, a small island’s quiet resurgence against the odds.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to