Boston Common

Overview

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, established in 1634. Spanning 50 acres in the heart of downtown, it serves as the starting point of the Freedom Trail and a gathering place for Bostonians across nearly four centuries.

Highlights

• Frog Pond: Ice skating in winter, wading pool in summer, and a reflecting pool in between.
• Soldiers and Sailors Monument: A Civil War memorial atop the highest point in the Common.
• Central Burying Ground: A colonial-era cemetery along the southern edge, dating to 1756.

History

Purchased by the town in 1634 for communal cattle grazing, the land has served as a military camp during the Revolution, a public execution site, and the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1965 rally. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Visitor Tips

• Freedom Trail start: The visitor center on Tremont Street is the official trailhead.
• Seasonal activities: Ice skating (November–March), Shakespeare on the Common (July–August).
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.