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Government Island Historic District

94 Border St, Cohasset, MA 02025, USA

Cohasset Harbormaster: 781-383-0863

https://www.cohassetma.org/189/Harbormaster

Owned By: Town of Cohasset

The Government Island Historic District is a varied property that includes the headquarters of the Cohasset Harbormaster, Fisherman’s Park, a small commercial fishing wharf, the Cohasset Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence, and the Cohasset Sailing Club. Stop here to learn about Minot’s Ledge Light, which was constructed here before being installed on a ledge off the Cohasset coast.  Look across the water to Bassing Beach.

Features

Prior to European contact, a band of the Massachusett Native American tribe maintained a village in what is now Cohasset. It was known as Quonahassit — often translated as “long rocky place.” In 1614, while exploring what was known then as the New World, Captain John Smith (1580-1631) landed in “Quonahassit Harbor” to trade for furs. A tablet erected at Lawrence Wharf commemorates the event.

The Quonahassit village was probably in the vicinity of today’s Elm Street, a summer camp for fishing, and for growing corn, beans and squash. The village moved inland during the winter for shelter, and to hunt for deer, turkey and other wildlife. A widespread plague decimated the Quonahassit population shortly after Smith’s visit.

To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett and the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag share information on their websites. 

Government Island was a hub for fishing and shipbuilding industries during colonial times, as well as farming. In 1858, the federal government acquired 7.3 acres of land here to use as a staging site for the construction of the second iteration of Minot’s Ledge Light. The residence for the keeper of the lighthouse and his family was located here, with the lighthouse situated on a ledge out at sea. A small park along with a replica of the lighthouse are present on site. Along with several other structures on the island, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The Cohasset Town Pier was established here in the early 20th century. Across the water, you can see Bassing Beach with its landmark white cottage.

Trail Description

No trails, but follow the sidewalk along the shoreline to enjoy the view. Along the way, you can visit the Border Street Bridge, Lawrence Wharf, and the Cohasset Veterans Memorial. The Cohasset Historical Commission has placed markers at 10 different historic sites along the way. This is known as The Captains’ Walk.

Habitats and Wildlife

This property offers spectacular views of the Gulf River, which originates in Scituate. A short distance downstream, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Cohasset Harbor.

Follow the Gulf Association for more information about the Gulf River.

  • A photograph of the entrance road to Government Island.
  • A photograph of a parking area beside a river.
  • A photograph of a river with a rocky outcropping in it, and boats in the distance.
  • A photograph of a historic building and a lighthouse replica with a river in the background
  • A photograph of a small yellow building with a boat beside it.
  • A photograph of a yellow building with interpretive signage for The Captain's Walk on it.
  • A photograph of a picnic table on grass next to a river.
  • A photograph of lighthouse replica with interpretive signage, with a historic building in the background.
  • A photograph of a lighthouse replica with a river in the background.
  • A photograph of a headquarters of the Cohasset Sailing Club.
  • A photograph of a concrete walkway leading to an overlook on a river.
  • A photograph of a memorial with a river in the background.
  • A photograph of a grassy area beside a river with a historic building in the background.
  • A photograph of a memorial within a park with a historic building in the background.
  • A photograph of a paved pier for fishermen.
  • A photograph of a river and an island with a historic building to one side.
  • A photograph of a historic building.
  • A photograph of a historic marker within a park with a river in the background.
94 Border St, Cohasset, MA 02025, USA

Historic Site: Yes

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: Yes

Lifeguards: No

Size: 7.3 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Permitted parking only. As an alternative, consider roadside parking farther down Border Street, by Lawrence Wharf.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Benches, bicycle rack, picnic tables, flagpole, memorials.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!

Boat Ramp: Yes

ADA Access: Yes

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Gulf River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Boating
Historical Sites
Nature Photography
Picnic Tables
Town Parks & Monuments