What You Can Expect from Boston Common- One of the Oldest City Parks in the US

If you have never been to the Boston Common, then you are actually missing a lot as it is one of the oldest parks in the entire USA. Not only that, the Boston Common is also home to many historical landmarks scattered throughout its 50 acres size.

The Common's wide expanse of park is part of the Emerald Necklace of parks. It is bounded by Park Street, Tremont Street, Charles Street, Beacon Street and by the Boylson Street.

The Boston Common on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Common

In the 1630's, the Common was used to pasture cows. Before the Revolutionary War, it was used as a camping ground by the British. It was also used as a public hanging place until around 1817. The Common was also used throughout history as a protest place- 1713 food shortage protest and Vietnam War protests as example. Many big names in history have also made speeches in the Boston Common. Some of these speeches were from Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II.

For Freedom Trail Tours

http://store.thefreedomtrail.org/tours.aspx

The Boston Common is home to many historical monuments. Some of the most notable ones include the following:

Soldiers and Sailors Monument (located on Flagstaff Hill) and Robert Shaw Memorial (located at the other side of Massachusetts State House)- Both to honor Civil War soldiers and heroes.

Parkman Bandstand- To honor George Parkman who gave $5M for Boston parks maintenance.

Boston Common as a Public Park

http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=10

Brewer Fountain- This fountain, with the figures of Galatea, Neptune, Amphitrite and Acis, is in the exact image of the Paris fountain used in the 1855 World Exposition.

Generally, though, the Common is the best place to be when in want of people-seeing as well as sight-seeing. Admission is free for the entire park and tours can be arranged through the Freedom Trail Foundation.

More Boston Common Information

http://www.aviewoncities.com/boston/bostoncommon.htm