Sun-kissed shores and rocky slopes greet you at Raccoon Island. This small island in Boston Harbor boasts a rich history. Once known as Sun Island its name changed. Its origins remain a mystery.
For centuries Indigenous people likely visited Raccoon Island. They used it as a seasonal campsite. European colonists arrived later. They used it for sheep grazing in the 1600s. The island’s past is a tapestry woven from different threads.
By the 1880s recreational camping parties enjoyed Raccoon Island. They enjoyed its scenic beauty and isolation. A religious organization established a summer camp there in the 1930s. The camp followed Catholic teachings. No buildings remain today. Only foundations hint at its past.
Today Raccoon Island is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. It’s managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Its views are breathtaking. You can see Boston Light. Downtown Boston is visible too. Hull and other islands surround you.
Raccoon Island’s story is one of transformation. From a seasonal campsite to a recreational spot. Then a summer camp and finally a protected natural area. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of this small but significant piece of Boston’s history. The island invites contemplation. It beckons you to imagine the lives touched by this unique place.