The Boston Common (no s) is the oldest city park in the U.S. It began in 1634 and was first used more as a cow pasture than as a city park. It was later occupied by British troops during the Revolution. It then became the center of political activity, protests, and rallies as well as recreation. Many pathways, monuments, and fountains are scattered throughout its 50 acres. In 1895 the first subway in the U.S. was opened adjacent to the Common. The first station on Tremont St. is still there, as is the second on Park St. seen here in the first, undated photo. The third photo shows Frog Pond in 1919 and the fifth shows the famous swan boats in the 1920s.
