Fort Independence (Castle Island)

Fort Independence Craig Stanfill / CC BY-SA 2.0

This piece of land was once an island; locals still refer to the site of Fort Independence as Castle Island, its original name. Edgar Allan Poe once graced these grounds during his first years of service for the U.S. Army.

The water around the fort has since been filled in, but it’s been used as the grounds for military operations since the early years of America’s history. The first fort here was built in 1634; the current Fort Independence was built somewhere between 1834 and 1851.

Edgar Allan Poe served at Castle Island in 1827. It is said he may have based his short story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” on a tale about a duel between two officers at the Fort.

Know Before You Go

Everybody tends to refer to it as Castle Island. Parking near the fort is a pain. It's often easier to park along Day Blvd but no further than Shore Drive.You gan get there from the Mass Pike or 93 but if you are from out of town go 93 to Columbia Road exit (#15) and Columbia meets up with Day Boulevard at a lovely round-a-bout.Today you can visit the Fort, but this is a popular spot in Southie so it's great for people watching too. There are a myriad of joggers/walkers, a great playground for kids, a causeway walk that loops around pleasure bay and finally Sully's. Just trust the following statement: eat there!