Franklin and Blackstone Squares
Encyclopedia
Blackstone and Franklin Squares are located in the South End of Boston
, Massachusetts
. Charles Bullfinch, who created the plan for the South End, originally intended the two squares to be one, calling it Columbia Square. Franklin Square opened in 1849 and Blackstone Square subsequently opened in 1855. The two squares are bisected by Washington Street and bound on the north by Brookline Street, to the east by St George Street, to the south by Newton Street, and to the west by Shawmut Avenue. An iron fence surrounds the perimeter of each square with entrances at the corners. There is also an entrance to Blackstone Square at the intersection of Pembroke Street and Shawmut Avenue and a fifth entrance to Franklin Square along Newton Street.
Blackstone Square is 2.44 acre (0.98743384 ha) and Franklin Square is 2.48 acres (1 ha). Both are maintained under Land and Water Conservation Fund of the National Park Service.
In 1979, after years of neglect, local resident Brian Davidson began an effort to clean up the squares. He personally picked up trash and after several years the city of Boston began a revitalization project that included new fences, fountains, benches, and trees.
Blackstone and Franklin Square can be reached by the Silver Line 4 and 5, and bus routes 8 and 10.
(Acer saccharum). Inside the park and lining the walkways are Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa). There is a large White Oak
(Quercus alba) in Franklin Square as well.
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Charles Bullfinch, who created the plan for the South End, originally intended the two squares to be one, calling it Columbia Square. Franklin Square opened in 1849 and Blackstone Square subsequently opened in 1855. The two squares are bisected by Washington Street and bound on the north by Brookline Street, to the east by St George Street, to the south by Newton Street, and to the west by Shawmut Avenue. An iron fence surrounds the perimeter of each square with entrances at the corners. There is also an entrance to Blackstone Square at the intersection of Pembroke Street and Shawmut Avenue and a fifth entrance to Franklin Square along Newton Street.
Operation
The squares operate under Article 97 of the Massachusetts State Constitution, which states:Blackstone Square is 2.44 acre (0.98743384 ha) and Franklin Square is 2.48 acres (1 ha). Both are maintained under Land and Water Conservation Fund of the National Park Service.
In 1979, after years of neglect, local resident Brian Davidson began an effort to clean up the squares. He personally picked up trash and after several years the city of Boston began a revitalization project that included new fences, fountains, benches, and trees.
Blackstone and Franklin Square can be reached by the Silver Line 4 and 5, and bus routes 8 and 10.
Foliage
A variety of trees are planted in and around the parks. Surrounding the exterior perimeter of the park are Sugar MapleSugar Maple
Acer saccharum is a species of maple native to the hardwood forests of northeastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario, and south to Georgia and Texas...
(Acer saccharum). Inside the park and lining the walkways are Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa). There is a large White Oak
White Oak
White Oak may refer to:* Quercus alba, a species commonly known as the White Oak* any of various trees from the botanical section Quercus within the list of Quercus species* a 1921 silent western written/produced by and starring William S...
(Quercus alba) in Franklin Square as well.