Boston -- Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden was established in 1837 and encompasses about 24 acres in the heart of the city. Along with the Boston Common it forms the northern end of the Emerald Necklace, Frederick Law Olmsted's grand design for a string of parks running from downtown Boston to Franklin Park. The park developed informally until 1859, when a plan by George F. Meacham was finally selected to provide a more formal design. City engineer James Slade and forester John Galvin made modifications to the plan and laid out the paths and plantings. A highlight of the design is the pond or lagoon, home to the iconic Swan Boats, which began operating in 1877. Parterres, other flower beds and planting areas, statues, and numerous specimen trees are featured landscape elements. The Public Garden was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Persons associated with the garden include George F. Meacham (landscape architect, 1859); James Slade (civil engineer, ca. 1860); and John Galvin (forester, ca. 1860).