Skip to main content
Massachusetts State Seal
Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Castle Island: Tory Refuge


In the turbulent years leading to the American Revolution Castle William became an offshore refuge for British soldiers and administrators.


“

“We blew up Castle William, its Extensive Batteries and dependencies, all of masonry, with 87 mines, not one failing.”

– British Captain Montressor, describing the British evacuation of Boston in 1776

”

An illustration of the Stamp Tax riots
Stamp Tax riots.
- Marchand Archive

Painting of Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson taking refuge from mob violence on Castle Island. Part of the Massachusetts State House art collection.

Hutchinson

The Stamp Tax Crisis
The requirement to fix revenue stamps to newspapers, legal documents and other items such as playing cards led to protests against “taxation without representation.” During the Stamp Act crisis of 1765 revenue stamps were stored on Castle Island but never distributed because of vigorous, at times violent, demonstrations. Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson and his family fled to Castle William after his home was destroyed in the Stamp Tax riots.

Paul Revere’s copper engraving plate used to create the famous image of the Boston Massacre. The plate is displayed in a glass case within the Commonwealth Museum Treasures Gallery, showcasing intricate details of the engraving. This item is part of the Massachusetts Archives.
Paul Revere’s copper engraving plate for the Boston Massacre image is on display in the Commonwealth Museum Treasures Gallery. 
- Massachusetts Archives

Historical document describing the withdrawal of the 29th Regiment to Castle Island to prevent disputes with local inhabitants, as decided by Colonel Dalrymple and the council.

Troops Withdraw

The Boston Massacre
 In 1770, after British soldiers killed five civilians in the “Boston Massacre” Samuel Adams and other Sons of Liberty demanded the withdrawal of British troops from Boston. The 14th and 29th Regiments retreated to the Castle.

A historical painting illustrating Lord Howe’s organization of the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. The painting highlights the strategic actions taken by rulers and leaders during this significant event.
Lord Howe Organizes the British Evacuation of Boston, 1776.  
- Rulers and Leaders

The British Evacuation of Boston
During the Siege of Boston General George Washington famously ordered the placement of cannons on Dorchester Heights. British General William Howe felt that honor demanded an attempt to dislodge the rebels. Howe ordered troops to use Castle Island as a staging area. A severe gale scattered the British boats and the assault never took place. The only shots fired in anger from the fort occurred on March 20, 1776 when British gunners fired at American rebels in present day South Boston (and missed.)