Hear the whispers of history from behind the rustling leaves of fabled trees. Relive historical moments of hope, belief, motivation and courage. This is where the colonial militia revved up for the American Revolution. Right in 1768, an 8-year encampment began in the meadows of this very Park. And after independence, George Washington, General Lafayette, and John Adams celebrated here. Get ready to watch Old America come alive in front of your eyes. That’s right; the singular most historical artifact of Boston is one of its own parks – the Boston Common.
Stretched across 50 acres of lush land, the Boston Common is the oldest park in the country. It is also a crucial anchor to the 9-park network around the city, popularly known as the Emerald Necklace. Be prepared to revel in the haunted corners of this Park. You see, public hangings were carried out here till 1817. This place also witnessed anti-slavery meetings and Civil War recruitment during the Anti-Slavery Movement of the 1860s.
A great way to live this history is by taking part in the Freedom Trail, which is a 2.5 mile redbrick trail through some of the most historic sites of Boston. The trail begins from Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument at Charlestown. The National Park Service Rangers also lead a free 90-minute walking trail through the same route. This promises to take you through the unfolding of American history in Boston.
This was the place which saw the largest gathering of people when civil rights movement speeches were held. In the 1860s, this same park was used for motivational speeches against Slavery. Famous personalities like Martin Luther King Jr. used this park as a platform for promoting equality. 1967 also saw Judy Garland performing a concert in the Common in front of more than 100,000 people. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1979.
Till date, Boston Common enjoys the sight of cultural performances and festivals throughout the year. It is a place of great communion and enjoyment. Every year, families from all over America and the world visit Boston to create countless memories in this historical Park.
There are also numerous places to eat and shop around the Park, in downtown Boston.
Boston Common Map
Facts About Boston Common
- The Frog Pond along with ball fields and a tot lot is one of the most visited sites of the city. In the winter, it acts as a field for skating lessons.
- In 2006, a world record was created when 30,128 Jack-o’-lanterns were simultaneously lighted throughout the Park for Pumpkin festival.
- In 1970, a non-profit citizen’s group called the Friends of the Public Garden was formed to take care of the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. At present, it boasts of over 2,500 members.
Where Is Boston Common?
Boston Common is located at the heart of downtown Boston. It is bound by Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park and Boylston streets. You can either get there by bus or subway. Because traffic is usually congested, taking the subway is almost always cheap and fast.
Address: 131 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, United State
Best Time To Visit Boston Common
The Boston Common is open 365 days a year. However, autumn and spring are the best months to visit the city and as a consequence, the Common too. April to June and September to October are considered peak seasons for visiting the Park. However, be prepared for crowds, as the fall foliage draws in a large number of tourists from round the country.
Boston Common Hours
The Common is open 24/7 throughout the year. Admission is free. At the same time, tours are mostly self-conducted.
But if you want to take in the complete historical vibe, do not forget to sign up with The Freedom Trail which will take you on a walking trail through a lovely collection of museums, churches, burial grounds and even historic ships! This tour costs $12 and is worth every penny. Freedom Trail trips depart everyday around 11am, 12pm, 3pm and 4pm. And the best part? You can pre-order your tickets and get them at a discounted price from their website.
However, if you don’t want to spend money, you can also sign up with the National Park Service Rangers who conduct a free walking tour along the Freedom Trail route daily from 9am to 5pm. Only 30 people are permitted per tour and selections are made 30 minutes prior to tour commencement. Reservations are not accepted; you have to be physically present to secure your sticker. During summer and peak months, these slots fill up in no time; so you have to be on your toes to secure your spot in this trail.
Nearby Attractions : AMC Loews Boston Common 19, Public Garden, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Back Bay Fens, The Riverway, Olmstead Park, Jamaica Pond.
Related : Boston City Map | Boston Location | Ten Free Things To Do In Boston