Conspiracy Island

Conspiracy Island is a privately owned tidal island situated in the Assonet River off Berkley, Massachusetts.

According to the 2000 census, Conspiracy Island is uninhabited. In very low tides, the island is actually a peninsula, accessible across a sandy stretch of land connecting it to a nearby beach. Since this island is privately owned, the general public should not access it, even during low tide when the sandy stretch of land is accessible.

A Gazetteer of the State of Massachusetts, published in 1890, describes the history of localities in Massachusetts. In its listing for Berkley, the book states that the island may have received its name from its connection to King Philip, himself the namesake of King Philip's War. Berkley’s history also includes a legend that in 1675 on Conspiracy Island King Phillip formed his confederacy. Also in 1675 Edward Bobbet (Babbitt) returning to his home became the first white man slain by Indians in the area during the King Phillip War.

Geography

According to the Town of Berkley Board of Assessors, the island has a total area of 0.25 acres (1,000 m²). There is no differentiation in the description between how much is land and how much is water. It is covered predominantly in grass with a few small cedar trees.

Demographics

Conspiracy Island is uninhabited and undeveloped. It is used for camping and swimming by the owners. Public access is not allowed, but is a frequent occurrence.

References

Berkley Massachusetts, 1890 Berkley's entry in A Gazetteer of the State of Massachusetts

Coordinates: 41°46′59.92″N 71°06′54.99″W / 41.7833111°N 71.115275°W / 41.7833111; -71.115275