So, How Many Stiffs Are Sleeping Beneath Boston Common?
Boston Common, that sprawling green haven in the heart of the city, is a place for picnics, frisbee throws, and contemplating life's big questions. But beneath those manicured lawns and shady trees lies a secret: a whole lot of, well, let's just say former Bostonians.
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| How Many Bodies Are Buried In Boston Common |
Estimating the Eerie: A Numbers Game (with a Side of Spookiness)
Pinpointing the exact number of folks slumbering under the Common is trickier than a squirrel dodging a beagle. Here's why:
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- The Great Disappearance: Back in the day (the 1700s to be precise), burials were happening willy-nilly. There's no Netflix documentary on early Boston filing systems, you see. So, some remains are likely missing from the official count – lost to time, construction projects, or maybe just a particularly enthusiastic game of Colonial Quidditch (it was a rough and tumble sport, apparently).
- Unearthed Unease: Fast forward to the 1890s, when Boston decided the subway was the future (hipsters rejoice!). Guess what they found while digging? A treasure trove of, ahem, unexpected Bostonians – over 1,000 to be exact! These folks were then politely re-interred in a mass grave, because hey, manners.
So, what are we left with? Estimates range from a ghoulishly good 5,000 to a spine-tingling 6,000. That's a lot of folks for a casual stroll in the park!
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Famous Faces (Amongst the Less Famous Skulls)
Not all the residents of Boston Common's underworld are unknown. Here are a couple of recognizable names:
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- Gilbert Stuart: The artist who painted those iconic portraits of George Washington? Yep, he's chilling underneath the Common.
- William Billings: Ever heard the colonial hymn "Chester"? That's thanks to William, who's also enjoying a dirt nap in the park.
These are just a few – the rest are likely fascinating Bostonians who lived extraordinary lives, even if their tombstones don't tell the whole story.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions from the Faint of Heart
- How to avoid spooktacular surprises while picnicking? Relax, most of the residents are peacefully napping. Just stick to the designated picnic areas and you'll be fine.
- How to tell if a particularly comfy patch of grass is a...well...former resident? Honestly, unless you're packing a shovel and a morbid curiosity, best not to dwell on it. Just enjoy the fresh air!
- How to become best friends with a ghost? We wouldn't recommend it. Boston winters are harsh enough without a ghostly roommate who forgets to chip in for heat.
- How many slices of pizza would it take to feed all the buried Bostonians? Let's not delve into morbid math, shall we?
- How to find out more about the history of the Central Burying Ground? The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has a wealth of information – it's a fascinating story, ghosts and all!
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