Outer Brewster Island (click to enlarge)
Outer Brewster Island in Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area was used as a quarry in the 1800s and by the United States military starting in 1913 when the Outer Brewster Island Military Reservation was established. However, at that time no major facilities were built on the island. It wasn’t until World War II started that an artillery battery was installed, Battery Jewel. Construction began in 1942 and was completed in 1944. The battery was outfitted with two 6-inch T2-M1 rapid fire guns, but it never saw any action. It was deactivated in 1947.
The concrete barracks and artillery battery can still be seen on the western end of the island. There are no guns on display, and only six T2-M1 guns are still in existence. Two are installed at Battery 234 at Fort Pickens, which is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida.
6″ guns at Fort Pickens’ Battery 234 in Gulf Islands National Seashore
Like Middle Brewster Island, Outer Brewster is largely surrounded by cliffs and ledges, making landing difficult. There is a gravel beach on the southwest end and another in the north-central section of the island.
Outer Brewster Island is not serviced by the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area public ferry.
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Last updated on January 16, 2024
