Ambrose Kingsland, the 71st mayor of New York City, is best known for proposing the development of Central Park. In this letter he penned in 1851, he’s writing to the Common Council of NYC to persuade them to buy the land for Central Park. He believes the cost will be repaid four times over and the park will be a “lasting monument to its founders, earning the gratitude of future generations.”
new york city without central park would be a mistake