A Civil War-era fortress, panoramic harbor views, and one of Boston’s most famous ghost stories make Georges Island a must-visit destination. Located seven miles offshore, this 39-acre island is home to Fort Warren, a granite stronghold built between 1833 and 1861 to defend Boston Harbor. Named for Dr. Joseph Warren—the patriot who sent Paul Revere on his legendary ride—the fort later served as a Union military prison during the Civil War, housing notable Confederate leaders such as Vice President Alexander H. Stephens and Postmaster General John H. Reagan. Unlike many Civil War prisons, Fort Warren gained a reputation for humane treatment of prisoners, with only 13 recorded deaths among the over 1,000 Confederate soldiers held here.

During the early days of the war, Union troops stationed at the fort began singing a marching tune about the abolitionist John Brown, which became known as “John Brown’s Body.” The song originated at Fort Warren in 1861 and soon spread through the Union Army, later inspiring “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The island’s history doesn’t end with the Civil War. Fort Warren remained active through the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II, serving as a command center for Boston’s harbor defenses and a strategic location for mine control operations. The fort was permanently decommissioned in 1947 but remains remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors the chance to wander its eerie tunnels, climb its ramparts, and explore its historic parade grounds.

Adding to its mystique is the legend of the “Lady in Black,” a ghost said to haunt the fort’s corridors. According to the tale, a Confederate officer’s wife disguised herself as a man to infiltrate the island and free her husband, only to be captured and executed—her spirit is now rumored to wander the dark passageways.

Today, George’s Island is a highlight of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, accessible by ferry from Boston, Hingham, and Hull. Visitors can tour Fort Warren, enjoy a scenic picnic along the harbor, or simply take in the stunning views of the city skyline. Whether you’re drawn by history, naval architecture, or supernatural legends, this storied island is an unforgettable stop in Boston Harbor.