Boston Common

Boston Common is Boston, Massachusetts's most famous public park and one of the oldest parks in the United States. It is 50 acres in size. The Common is bounded by Tremont St., Park St., Beacon St., Charles St., and Boylston St.

Its purpose has changed over the years. Originally it was owned by William Blackstone until it was bought off of him by the city. It was used as a camp by the British before the Revolutionary War, and was where they left from for the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Up until 1830, it was used for cattle grazing. It was also used for public hangings up until 1817.

Today it serves as a public park for all to use for formal or informal gatherings, or just to enjoy the park and its surroundings. Events such as concerts, protests, softball games, and ice skating (on Frog Pond) often take place in the park. Famous individuals, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II, have also held speeches at the Common.

The Central Burying Ground is found on the Boylston Street side of Boston Common. There one can find the burial sites of the artist Gilbert Stuart and the composer William Billings. A visitors' center can be found on the Tremont Street side of the park.