Map and index of Boston Common and the Public Garden, showing the location and names of the trees and the arrangement of the tulips for 1901
Description:
Whereas Boston Common was established on existing dry ground, the Public Garden was created between 1838 and 1860 on made land upon what was originally a salt marsh. Designed by George Meacham in response to New York’s Central Park, the Garden features undulating pathways arranged to encourage leisurely strolls among the exotic plant life. As superintendent of Boston’s Common and Public Grounds, William Doogue envisioned America’s first public botanical park as “a pleasure ground to the mass of God’s people, without any distinction as to race, color, or condition.” This map includes the names and locations of the trees and lays out the arrangement of the tulips.