Button Island

map of Hingham Bay with Button Island highlighted

NPS Photo

This small island features a rock-strewn gravel beach and a large oak tree.

Located in Hingham Bay, Button Island is owned and operated by the Town of Hingham. At high tide, the island occupies less than 1 acre.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the Town of Hingham.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
Piers/Docks:
No
Visitor season:
0
Boat slips:
0
Visitor staff:
No
Moorings:
0
Guided tours:
No
Park boats:
None
Lifeguards:
No
Car access:
No
Flush toilets:
No
Campsites:
0
Composting toilets:
No
Group campsites:
0
Picnic areas:
No
Camping capacity:
0
Refreshments:
No
Cooking grills:
No
Drinking water:
No
Walking trails:
No
 

Short History

Prior to European settler colonization, Indigenous peoples likely used the island seasonally. Colonists likely removed trees to use for firewood. An 1893 account (The History of Hingham, "Ancient Landmarks") describes Button as "a little heap of rock and gravel, bearing no trees or shrubs and but little grass, is not worth visiting." The island now supports about twenty trees and a dense understory of brambles.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

An enormous oak tree grows on the island, which must have been planted shortly after the island's unsympathetic description as a barren island in the 1893 History of Hingham, "Ancient Landmarks." Several smaller but mature oaks, linden cedars, and sumac cover the island. Shrub species include bayberry and dewberry. Grasses and sea lavender are abundant in the tidal zone.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

The island rises 10 feet in elevation and is composed primarily of glacial till. The island is bounded by small rock outcrops, boulders, sand, and mudflats with salt grass.

Views and Vistas

Views from Button are of the surrounding islands and mainland areas, including Ragged and Sarah Islands, Worlds End, and Hingham Harbor.

 

Structures

Last updated: November 30, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
21 Second Ave

Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 223-8666

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