July 17, 2019

July 17, 2019

Mid-morning we drove to the nearby port of Hingham, MA where we caught the first ferry that carries commuters to downtown Boston. We get off midway at Georges Island, one of three dozen islets that litter greater Boston Harbor. The islands comprise Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. They are mounds of glacial debris deposited during the last Ice Age.

All the islands in the harbor have their own unique history. Georges Island contains a huge granite fort. Fort Warren was one of many built after the War of 1812 to defend America’s vital ports. It never saw any action but did serve as a Union prison during the Civil War. Alexander Stephens, the rebel VP was the most distinguished resident. We walked around the fort and then took a lackluster Park Ranger tour. Since the next return ferry isn’t for another hour we find two Adirondack chairs and enjoy the breezy weather.

On the way back, I have to stop and let Aimee have some Retail therapy after making her tour yet another fort. Passing through the town of Quincy, I notice the sign for Adams National Historic Park. We have already visited his home, so instead we explored the adjacent Hancock-Adams Commons. We toured the Adams’ family church, whose presiding minister was John Hancock’s father. In the basement is the crypt containing the tombs of both President Adams' and their wives. Next door is the Hancock Cemetery and statues of John Adams and John Hancock, two of the foremost Founding Fathers. Interestingly the Adams owned a granite quarry that was later the source for stone to build Fort Warren.

The predicted rain finally started so we bolted for the car. Unfortunately it is rush hour, so it took forever just to go a couple miles. Traffic in Boston is horrendous.