Garrison (William Lloyd) statue is dedicated.
May 13, 1886
Artist: Olin Levi Warner. It is located on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. A portrait statue of America’s leading abolitionist, it is inscribed with Garrison’s words, “I am in earnest. I will not equivocate. I will not excuse. I will not retreat a single inch. And I will be heard.” Even in death, Garrison proves controversial. The proposal to locate the state here reputedly causes some residents of that part of the Back Bay to consider moving.