Boston Common
Boston common bounded by Beacon, Charles, Boylston, Park and Tremont Streets is Massachusetts Famous public park and the oldest city park in the United States. Though at first glance one would immediately see a small thread of comparison with New York City's Central Park it is, however, much smaller in size dwelling in the quaint atmosphere of the Bean town.
As Boston itself the Common also has a history to tell. It speaks of colonial ownership and then of its gradual transition from a colonial war camp to the vibrant public park that we know today full of sun worshippers relaxing and picnicking on the grassy hills during nice weather. Originally it was owned by William Blaxton (modernized to Blackstone) until it was bought from him by the city.
Boston Common served as a camping ground for the British during the revolutionary war, it was from here that the British army left for the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Till the 1830's the park was used for cattle grazing. It also served as the venue for public hangings up until 1817, most of which were from a large oak which was replaced with gallows in 1769.Mary Dyer was hanged there in 1660.The gallows were removed in1817 and from1830 on the grazing of cattle was forbidden. Todays scenario of Boston common no longer reminds one of the dark times of yester years. Today it serves as a public park for all to use for formal and informal gatherings. Events such as concerts, protests, softball games and ice skating (on Frog Pond) often take place in the park. The park has also hosted eminent individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr. Pope John Paul II in their speeches on several occasions.
Boston common being centrally located also has few features which are worth taking note of, the Massachusetts State House stands across Beacon Street from the north edge of the Common. At the north east corner of the Common stands the monument to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry. Another scenic part and earlier known to be the extension of the Common is the Boston Public Garden, which is at the west of the Common across Charles Street. Boston amongst the many things that it has to boast about also has Americas first sub way station, Park Street this stands at the north east corner of the park. At the South east corner is Boylston station the second subway station in the United States. The Common also is a witness to the performance of many musical and theatrical productions which usually take place in Parkman Bandstand the east end of the park. A large grassy area marks the west part of the park, and is often used for the more elaborate events. For many of those who would commute by car this piece of information might be helpful. You wont have to circle the area for hours looking for a parking spot and worry about a feeding meter. The Boston Common garage has been renovated and is located underneath the Boston common. It has enough space for 1,300 vehicles. It has handicap accessible elevators and the four pedestrian entrances within the Boston Common. Youll pay $5.00 for one hour and up to $17.00 for up to 12 hours. There is a 24 hour maximum charge of $23.00. If you arrive after 4.00 pm and leave before10.00am it will only cost you $10.00.There are weekend rates and monthly passes as well. You can get the information by calling 617 954-2034.
As one walks out of the west end of the Common you will be lured into the Boston public Garden by its scenic beauty. The public Garden, located between The Back Bay and the Boston Common, was like the rest of Back Bay a swamp until it was filled in 1839.A Botanical garden, the first of its kind, was later added and the flower beds and paths were laid out in French style. In 1861 the addition of an English pond was made and swan boats were added on which you can still take rides. The Common and the Public Garden are part of the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks all connected to each other.
However, many a tourist visit Boston every year, taking their customary trip to Harvard, M.I.T and many other spots that are acclaimed tourist attractions. The Boston common also features in the list of many such tourists. Sailing through the quaint Boston Common we seldom think about the history that lie buried, that history which might have a lot to say to us about this spot that we so enjoy .Boston Common is the starting point of what is known as the freedom Trail. The Common is also called the anchor for the Emerald Necklace, a system of connected parks that winds through many of Bostons neighborhoods. Full of historic monuments and memorials, one located on the Tremont Street side of the Common, is Boston Massacre Memorial. It stands approximately 25 ft high and has an engraving of Paul Reveres famous depiction of the historic event. It also pays tribute to all those men who lost their lives on the evening on March 5, 1770.
As Boston common is one of the must see places when planning a trip to Boston it is also worthwhile to consider cheap tickets for travel this site has some of the greatest travel deals on the web. Hotwire Hot-fares are airfare deals you wouldnt find anywhere else- up to 50% off. For the more enterprising tourist who wants to get a feel of Boston on the whole they would do well to consider the Red Bean Town trolley tour that starts right from near the Boston common, from in front of the State House. It is an extensive tour and ends with a nice harbor cruise which takes you around the Boston harbor.
In the end, located at the middle of Boston down town just a stones throw away from China town where the hungry traveler can eat at his hearts content, or go to the harbor for a whale watching session, or even go to the New England aquarium to take a peek at the most exotic creatures of the sea, or shop at Bostons fashionable Newbury Street, it is all right there. At the end of a hectic day when the sun dawns and in the declining sun you want to just sit amidst some green, peace and quiet you might consider the Common and it is an experience that cherishes, nourishes and makes you ready for the night ahead of you .The Common has something for everyone no matter what time of the day it is.
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