Recurring to the east side of Broadway, within the limits under review, we have to relate some brief details concerning the Park, known in the Dutch time as the Vlacte or Flat, at a later period as the Commons, at a still later period as the Fields, and finally, after its enclosure, called the Park. These few acres have a history full of local interest to the New Yorker.

Originally a portion of the common lands granted to the city by its charter, its character for many years was merely that of an open pasture or cattle-walk. It seems, however, that at an early period a fortification of a primitive sort was erected near the south boundaries of the Park, which we infer from an entry in the city records in 1699, stating appointment of a committee to view the block-house near the Governor's Garden, to see if it can be fitted into a prison. 

In the course of the last century it became customary to hold public celebrations there, especially the bonfires which were made on the King's birthday. Coronation day, Gunpowder-plot day, and other public occasions. These had in earlier years been celebrated on the plain before the fort, but the enclosure of the Bowling green compelled a change of quarters. Its name of the Commons grew into disuse some years before the Revolution and that of "the Fields," was substituted. The first public building erected with the limits of the Park was a Poor-house, finished in 1736, on the site of the present City Hall.

An Advertisement of that date calls for proposals from suitable persons stating the terms on which they will perform the duties of Keeper of the House of Correction and Overseer of the Work-house, and Poor-house. The same paper advertises " to let the cellar kitchen at present, the Poor house, kept by Mrs. Burger." From its public character, as the place of open-air meetings, ball ground, etc., it attracted to its vicinity various public houses, ball alleys, and similar places. The public meetings which took place in the Fields during a few years preceding the commencement of the Revolution, were of a significant political character, and are deserving of a brief chronological reference.

Chronology of Events At The Fields

1764. Seizure of a press gang's boat, by a mob who carried it to the Common, and burned it.

1765. (Nov. 1) First popular meeting on the Commons in opposition to the stamp act: a gallows was erected, and the Lieutenant-Governor burned in effigy.

1765. (Nov. 2) Another popular meeting on the Commons, held with a view to seize the stamps. Action deferred.

1765 & 1766. Other meetings of similar character until repeal of stamp act, in March, 1766.

1766. (June 4) Meeting on the Commons to celebrate the repeal of the stamp act. A flag-staff erected on the occasion inscribed "King, Pitt, and Liberty." An ox roasted and twenty-five barrels of ale, with a hogshead of rum punch, consumed on the occasion.

1766. (August 10) A party of soldiers from the barracks along Chambers street, cut down the pole erected in June.

1766. (August 11) Meeting held on the Commons to raise another pole. The people were attacked by the soldiers, and several were wounded. A few days after, however, another pole was raised.

1766 (Sept. 23.) The second pole was cut down by persons unknown. Within two days a third pole was erected.

1767. (March 18) The Third pole was destroyed.

1767. (March 19.) A Fourth pole, erected and secured by braces and iron bands, and a watch set to guard it.

1767.(March 21.) An attempt renewed by the soldiers to destroy the pole, but they were repulsed by the citizens.

1767. (Dec. 17.) Meeting held in opposition to the mutiny act.

1770. (Jan. 13.) The liberty pole again assailed by the soldiers, who were repulsed. 

1770. (Jan. 16.) Another attempt made on the pole, which was successful. It was sawed up and piled in front of Montagnie's door (the headquarters of the Sons of Liberty), on Broadway.

1770. (Jan. 17.) Meeting of upward of three thousand citizens on the Commons. Another liberty pole soon after erected, strongly ironed, and surrounded with a topmast and vane, on the latter of which the word Liberty in large letters was conspicuous.

1770. (March 26.) A party of soldiers attempted to unship the top-mast; a contest ensued between them and the citizens without fatal results.

1770. (May 10) Meeting in opposition to importations of British goods.

1770. (June) A quantity of British goods seized by the Sons of Liberty are burned on the Commons.

1774. (July 6.) Great meeting in opposition to the act of Parliament called the Boston Port Act. At this meeting Alexander Hamilton, then seventeen years of age, first appeared as a public speaker.

1775. Various meetings on the all-absorbing public affairs. The affair at Concord and the battle of Lexington occurred, and the people began vigorously to prepare for momentous events.

1776. (July 9.) The Declaration of Independence published to the troops paraded on the Commons at 6 o'clock in the evening. A hollow square formed at lower end of the Common, in which was General Washington on horseback. The Declaration was read by one of his aids. At its conclusion three hearty cheers were given.

1776 to 1783. The city in possession of the British.

1776. Cunningham, the British Provost Marshal had the Liberty pole cut down.