Boston Common, Boston

Boston Common, Boston

Founded in 1634, Boston Common is one of the oldest public parks in the United States.

Founded in 1634, Boston Common is one of the oldest public parks in the United States. It is part of Boston's Emerald Necklace of parks, and is spread over 50 acres on the southern foot of Beacon Hill. It is bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street, Charles Street, and Boylston Street. Over the years, many significant events have taken place here, from British encampments in the revolutionary period through public hangings and Civil War recruitment to anti-war protests in the 1960s. The Boston Common is a good area for walking around and people-watching at all times of year. Sporting facilities include a baseball field and tennis court. The Frog Pond in the center of the Common has wading in summer and ice skating in winter. The Visitor Center in the park is the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Explore the Common to see the various historic landmarks scattered throughout the grounds.

• The Central Burying Ground at the southern end of the park is the final resting place of several notable people including portrait artist Gilbert Stuart, composer William Billings, Revolutionary War fighter Samuel Sprague and his son, poet Charles Sprague.
• The Boston Massacre/Crispus Attucks Memorial near Tremont Street honors the victims of the Boston Massacre of 1770.
• The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Flagstaff Hill honors the Massachusetts soldiers and sailors who died in the American Civil War. The 126 feet tall neoclassical granite column designed by Martin Milmore features an allegorical female figure of America on top, crowned with 13 stars, and holding the United States flag, a laurel wreath, and sword. The base features 4 bas-relief bronze tablets depicting 'The Departure for the War', 'The Sanitary Commission', 'The Engagement', and 'The Return from the War'. Above the base are 4 granite figures representing the northern, southern, eastern and western regions of the United States.
• The Parkman Bandstand was built in 1912 by the bequest of George F. Parkman, and is used today for concerts, rallies, and speeches.
• The Brewer Fountain at the east end of the Paris was gifted to the city by Gardner Brewer. The bronze fountain is decorated with the mythical figures of Neptune, Galatea, Amphitrite and Acis.
• The Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment is a bronze relief sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens that honors the first African-American regiment organized in the northern states during the Civil War.