The construction of the Eastern Promenade began in 1836 and continued until 1934. Spanning 68.2 acres, the park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, who inherited the nation’s first landscape architecture firm from their father, the designer of Central Park in New York City. In addition to the Eastern Promenade, the Olmsted Brothers were responsible for numerous projects across the United States and Maine, including roadways in Acadia National Park and the design of Deering Oaks.
In the 1960 photograph we see the Promenade lined with towering Elm trees. However, not long after the photo was taken, these trees were removed due to Dutch Elm Disease.
