Statue of John Endecott

The Statue of John Endecott is a granite sculpture standing on a red granite base near Hemenway Street and Forsyth Way. Benches are built into the perimeter of the base, creating both a memorial and a place where people can sit while visiting the park.

The sculpture was created in 1936 by artist C. Paul Jennewein and depicts John Endecott, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was built during a period when Boston was reassessing its colonial roots and the leaders who shaped the early settlement.

The monument honors a figure from the colonial period whose legacy is remembered in the public landscape. Visitors passing by see how the city chooses to mark its early leaders and what it decides to commemorate for future generations.

The monument sits at an accessible street corner and is easy to find on foot, with informational plaques providing context about the history. The built-in benches offer a good place to rest while exploring the surrounding park area.

This monument is unusual for integrating functional seating directly into its design, making it more than just a static memorial. The practical approach shows how public monuments today can serve both remembrance and everyday use in city spaces.