Beneath Logan Airport’s runways lies a forgotten treasure. Governors Island a place steeped in history. Once a verdant jewel in Boston Harbor it boasted a rich past.
For centuries Governors Island stood proudly. It began its life as Conant’s Island. Roger Conant a Hull resident gave it its first name. Then in 1632 Governor John Winthrop acquired it. He transformed the island into his Governor’s Garden. He planted the first apple and pear trees in New England. He even attempted grapes and plums. Winthrop’s tenure was unique. His rent was a hogshead of wine. Later it changed to bushels of apples. He cleverly negotiated an exemption until his orchard produced. He even shared his tribute with the governor and legislature.
More than just an orchard Governors Island became a haven. The Huguenot noble La Tour sought refuge there. He escaped his Catholic enemy D’Aulnay. The Puritans helped him despite initial hesitations. The island’s strategic location made it a vital defensive point. In 1696 eight and ten gun batteries were built. Fort Warren was erected on its summit. General Dearborn considered this fort a key to the harbor’s defense. The low battery on the southern point was picturesque. It once held fifteen cannons. During the War of 1812 red-hot shot was prepared. The fort was renamed Fort Winthrop honoring the island’s original governor.
Fort Winthrop was a place of contrasts. It contained seventy acres. It had underground passages connecting batteries. Its citadel a massive granite structure was almost invisible. Powerful guns peered from earthworks protecting the harbor. Fort Winthrop’s duty ended. A magazine explosion in 1902 signaled the end. The military abandoned it in 1905. Governors Island was then absorbed by Logan Airport. The island may be gone but its story lives on a testament to Boston’s captivating past.