Nature Takes Over

Fort Standish on Lovells Island, was a lightly manned subpost of Fort Warren on nearby Georges Island.  The Fort, fully garrisoned in World War I, was placed on caretaker status in the 1920s, and then  reactivated for World War II when it included over 60 structures dispersed throughout the island.  It was abandoned by the military in the late 1940s; plant life has been reclaiming the area ever since.   Lovells Island was one of seven sites defending Boston Harbor and neighboring Quincy.

Confederate Prison

Fort Warren was built to protect the city of Boston but it took on other roles as well. Construction began in 1833 and took in its first Confederate prisoners in 1861. There are many buildings and tunnels you can wander around in. There are so many stories here. Park Rangers give regular tours of the fort during summer months. You can see some of the arch work that was mentioned in yesterday's post.

The Grey & Green

Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort known for its graceful granite archways, is made from stone and Quincy granite. I really like the grassy rooftops -- "green" before its time. I will share a few more photos of Fort Warren in the days to come.

Doorway to the Past

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Fort Warren on Georges Island has many stories to tell. The fort is a short ferry ride from Quincy and is open for your exploration and discovery either with a park ranger or on your own. Part of this fort was built by Quincy workers using Quincy granite. Black and white seems to bring out the light and shadow play along with the texture of this slightly eerie scene. Enjoy your Monday everyone and don't forget to visit the home of Monochrome Monday,here for more black and white images.

Demilune

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This is one of Fort Warren's unique features: a demilune. What is a demilune you ask? It is a semi-circular or semi-lunar shaped masonry defense which was attached to the main fort to defend against an amphibious assault on George's Island in Boston Harbor. The well-built fort served the military for 100 years as a patrol point and training ground. It gained a favorable reputation for the humane treatment of Confederate prisoners during the Civil War and was never fired upon.

The dark grey stone with the chisel-edge border, known as quarry-face finish, came from Quincy. Stone for the fort's construction also came from Cape Anne and quarries in Vermont.

History Lesson

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This Park Ranger is beginning a tour of Fort Warren, a pentagonal shaped fort strategically located at the entrance to Boston Harbor on Georges Island. The fort was constructed between 1833 -1861 and lots of Quincy granite wasused in it's construction. Fort Warren was named for the Revolutionary War hero, Dr. John Warren, who sent Paul Revere on his famous ride. Click here for more fascinating history about this fort. The fort is a National Historic Landmark.