Ether Monument
Ether Monument
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Arlington • 2 min walk
- Boylston • 7 min walk
Best nearby
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4.5
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Brad
Hong Kong, China176,140 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
One of the interesting monuments you can see at the Boston Public Garden is the Ether Monument also referred to as the Good Samaritan statue, This monument commemorates the discovered use of ether as an anaesthesia here in Boston in 1846.
This 40 foot tall monument is the oldest at the park being created by by John Quincy Adams Ward in 1868. Made of granite and marble, it is topped by a figure of a Moorish-Spanish doctor, holding a sick or dying person who appears to be in great pain. The base of the monument includes four panelled inscriptions, describing the use of esther as a pain relief, topped by relief scenes.
The Ether Monument is quite attractive and an interesting link to local medical history in Boston. We quite enjoyed seeing this monument amongst others at the Boston Public Garden and nearby Boston Common.
Note: You can find it located at the northwest corner of the garden, near Arlington and Beacon streets.
This 40 foot tall monument is the oldest at the park being created by by John Quincy Adams Ward in 1868. Made of granite and marble, it is topped by a figure of a Moorish-Spanish doctor, holding a sick or dying person who appears to be in great pain. The base of the monument includes four panelled inscriptions, describing the use of esther as a pain relief, topped by relief scenes.
The Ether Monument is quite attractive and an interesting link to local medical history in Boston. We quite enjoyed seeing this monument amongst others at the Boston Public Garden and nearby Boston Common.
Note: You can find it located at the northwest corner of the garden, near Arlington and Beacon streets.
Written 10 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kappy26
Boston, MA1,091 contributions
May 2021
This monument is the oldest in the Boston Public Garden. It commemorates when Ether was used in Anesthesia. You do know Boston is known for its medical achievements. Do visit this statue when in Boston.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo S
Hilliard, OH5,138 contributions
Sept 2021
Tucked away in the Boston Gardens is a monument to the discovery of anesthesia. Simple but grand, if you have some time walking through the park it is worth the short visit.
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EFW2014
Woolwich, ME1,514 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Right next to the Boston Commons is the Boston Public Garden and that’s where you can find the Ether monument. It’s worth the short trip to check it out before staring the freedom trail.
Written 26 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yasmine C
Hollywood, FL5 contributions
Sept 2018 • Business
Thank you so much for educating our students. This was an amazing experience. We learned so much. Well worth it.
Written 21 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheeseheadfamilyof4
Oconomowoc, WI400 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
I read about the Ether Monument and thought we had better check it out. I didn't know the connection with Boston, nor did I know much of the history of the use of ether. It only took a few minutes to see the monument, but I'm glad we did.
Written 29 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Go2theZoo
Layton, UT930 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Before viewing this monument I had no idea the connection Boston had to Ether. It was kind of fun to learn something new in the middle of a beautiful park. It is located in the Boston Public Garden, where there are several statues and places to sit and relax. It's well worth the time to walk the perimeter of the garden and see them all.
Written 21 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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