Boston's Historic Common & Public Gardens

A Storied History

Boston Common, or “the Common” is America’s oldest park. It was established in 1634 when the area Puritans purchased the land for 30 pounds from the area’s first settler, an Anglican Minister named William Blackstone.

Today, the Common is a peaceful and pleasant park, but it was not always so calm and tranquil. The Common was the site of Puritanical punishment including the whipping post or imprisonment in the stocks. A tree once on the Common (now gone) known as the “Great Elm” was used to hang unfortunate souls. During the American Revolution, the Common was used as a British redcoat training field. Throughout history, the Common has continued to be used for gatherings, albeit less violent and more inspiring. The Common was the site of anti-Vietnam War protests and Civil Rights rallies, including one featuring Martin Luther King Jr. And, in 1979, Pope John Paul II gave mass to the gathered faithful here.

Across Charles Street from the Common is Boston’s Public Garden, which was America’s first public botanical garden, established in 1839. Tidal marshes once occupied most of the land west of the Common, but in 1824 the City of Boston purchased land here for the purpose of creating a public space. Local horticulturists obtained permission to build a garden here, and the Public Garden was born. In 1856, after the City regained title to the Public Garden area, the legislature passed an act establishing the permanent protection of the area as a garden.

Favorite Things to Do

Aside from just taking a nice stroll and admiring the flora, here are some of our must-see attractions and activities to experience:

On the Common:

• See the Frog Pond – in summer, the Boston Common Frog Pond is converted to a kid-friendly, free splash pool and in winter the pond is transformed into an ice-skating rink.
• Visit the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial – Shaw led the first all-African American volunteer regiment in the U.S. Civil War, guiding the regiment into battle at Battery Wagner in South Carolina. The famous clash was depicted in the movie Glory starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington.
  
• Take a ride on the Common Carousel – great for kids, the Carousel was built in 1947 and can be ridden for a small fee. Open in spring, summer and fall.
• Enjoy Brewer Fountain Plaza - Located on the eastern side of the Common, this historic gathering spot featuring a beautiful 19th-century bronze fountain, seating areas, and seasonal amenities like a café and live music performance.
• Explore the Central Burying Ground - a fascinating historic cemetery with aged headstones that mark the final resting places of artists, soldiers, and even some British troops from the Revolutionary War.
• Get Active in the Athletic Fields – recreation abounds at the Common’s athletic fields, with open spaces for sports like baseball, softball, and soccer.

Public Garden:

• See the George Washington Statue– located at the east entry to the garden, the majestic statue of George Washington on his horse is the largest bronze statue in Boston at 38 feet high.
• Visit the 9/11 Garden of Remembrance – Established in the Public Garden in 2004, the memorial is dedicated to those New Englanders who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.
• View the Ether Monument – this beautiful monument, known as the “Good Samaritan”, is the oldest in the Public Garden and honors the introduction of ether as an anesthetic, a pivotal moment in medical history.
• Take a ride on the Swan Boats – for a fee, you can take a 15-minute ride around the "Swan Boat Lagoon" (seasonally) which have been operating here since 1870. No reservations are required.
• Admire the Ducklings Statue - Based on Robert McCloskey's beloved 1941 classic children’s book, "Make Way For Ducklings", this charming brood of 9 ducklings takes up 35 feet on old Boston cobblestone in the park.

People enjoy living near Boston Common because it gives them the best of both worlds—plenty of green space for relaxing or outdoor activities, all while being close to downtown, great restaurants, shops, and easy public transit options,

Luka on the Common

Located just steps away from the Common, modern new apartments at Luka blend light-filled, luxe spaces with thoughtful amenities and uncommonly unique style. Enjoy sweeping high-rise views, scenic rooftop terraces and pavilions, a large modern fitness center, concierge, and more. Explore currently available residences.