The oldest park in the United States, Boston Common is located in Downtown Boston. It serves as the beginning of the Freedom Trail and a whole system of parklands called the Emerald Necklace. The Boston Common area is an ideal place for walks and family vacations. There are plenty of playgrounds and activities for children, and there is even a small whirlpool that is open during the summer months. Picnickers come here on the weekends, and there are plenty of interesting historical sites and memorials to see while strolling along the park’s many walking paths.
The owner of the land on which the park is located was William Blackston. He came to America in the early 17th century and became known as the first settler of Boston and Rhode Island. The site was then purchased by residents of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, organizing a cow pasture here. In the 1770s, the area was used as a military camp for the British Army, and it received park status around 1830. Many historical events have taken place here since the beginning of the 20th century, and now there are regular events, gatherings and political activities.
What to see in Boston Common
- Boston Massacre Monument. It was erected in 1888 and commemorates the climax of the confrontation between the citizens of Boston and British troops that launched the War of Independence.
- Memorial to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. He commanded the first black regiment during the American Civil War.
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The triumphal column was erected in 1877 to honor those who died in the Civil War.
- Brewer Fountain. It was cast in bronze in 1868 and designed by French sculptors Maturen Moreau and Michel Lienard.
- Central Burying Ground Cemetery. It was founded in 1756. Here are buried such famous figures as a member of the “Boston Tea Party” Samuel Sprague and his son, poet Charles Sprague, painter Gilbert Stuart, and composer William Billings.
- Parkman’s Variety Gazebo. Was built in 1912 in honor of a prominent benefactor and is designed for orchestra performances.
- The Great Elm. This tree had been growing in the park since 1646. It was about 23 meters tall and was approximately 250 years old at the time of its death.
- Colonial Theater. It is the oldest continuously operating theater in the city. The first performance was held here in 1900 – Winston Churchill attended the premiere.
- Frog Pond. Known for the fact that at its bottom were found bronze tools made about 8,000 years ago. In the winter, Frog Pond turns into an ice skating rink.
Interesting facts about Boston Common Park
In 1967, the park hosted a concert by American artist and singer Judy Garland. – It was attended by over 100,000 people.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II gave a speech at Boston Common. It was his only visit to Boston. A granite slab was erected to commemorate the event.