Trace the history of Boston and take a break from the city heat in the USA’s oldest public park.
Boston Common has a long, fascinating and often bloody history. This former cow pasture served as a British encampment during the American War of Independence, became a recruitment point during the Civil War, and was the site of public hangings until 1817. Since then it has been the rallying point for anti-slavery meetings and anti-war protests. Today it’s a favourite place for Bostonians to chill out and indulge in a little gentle exercise, while visitors flock here to start walking the Freedom Trail.In spring you can hire one of the famous and historic Swan Boats to take a cruise around the park and admire the views of the Boston skyline in the distance, while in summer the eye-catching Brewer Fountain or the child-friendly Frog Pond are popular place to cool off. In winter the Frog Pond is transformed into a skating rink, where you can improve your technique with a lesson at the Skating Academy or just frolic around having fun with your mates.Winter is also the time for tobogganing down Flagstaff Hill, one of the park’s most photographed vantage points. Climb to the impressive white granite Soldiers and Sailors Monument for panoramic views, and take a moment to pay tribute to the Civil War hero Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry at the bronze relief sculpture that commemorates their bravery. For an unusual angle on local history, spend time reading the fascinating inscriptions on the gravestones in the park’s historic Central Burying Ground, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.Boston Common is a popular place to enjoy a family picnic, take in a musical performance or play, or just stroll among its 20 hectares of green spaces, ponds and gardens. The common and its neighbouring Public Garden are part of the Emerald Necklace network of parks and gardens. Find out more from the Boston Common Visitor Information Centre on the Tremont Street side of the park, close to the start of the Freedom Trail. The park is open daily and admission is free.
