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History of Boston’s Green Spaces 4: Public Garden
By Katie Koenig The Public Garden was established in 1839, making it the earliest public garden in U.S. history. In 1977, a Landmarks Commission report suggested it be designated as a historic landmark, which later was accepted. Although it sits next to the Boston Common, the lands were purchased much later and decorated lavishly, with…
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History of Boston’s Green Spaces 3: Boston Common
By Katie Koenig The Boston Common has existed since before the Revolutionary War. Early on, it was used for military training, farming, and even cattle grazing. It has remained a major green space in Boston largely due to community advocacy, much like with the Esplanade. One such community organization is the Friends of the Common…
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History of Boston’s Green Spaces 2: Franklin Park
By Katie Koenig Franklin Park is another major green space in Boston, although perhaps less traveled by on-campus residents than the Common and the Esplanade. Where the Boston Common marks one end of the Emerald Necklace, a chain of parks across Boston designed to be traversed without ever leaving the green spaces, Franklin Park finishes…
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History of Boston’s Green Spaces 1: The Esplanade
By Katie Koenig Large trees, reaching branches, the wind whistling over the Charles River, even the cars bustling across the park—I’m not the only person to love taking walks down the Esplanade. It’s a gorgeous space even in winter when the water freezes over and trees carry snow like they’re grocery bags after a shopping…
