Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Margaret Carman Green
Flushing Freedom Mile
Flushing is considered to be the "Birthplace of Horticulture" in the New World. The first tree nursery in America was established in Flushing by William Prince in 1937. Others soon followed. These nurseries were widely known for their beauty. It was said that British General William Howe, whose troops occupied Flushing during the Revolution, so admired William Prince's nursery and gardens that he ordered guards to protect them from damage.
Remnants from these nurseries can be seen in Flushing today, including exotic trees such as Bald Cypresses, and Golden Larch. Street names also echo Flushing's horticultural past: Prince Street and Parsons Boulevard, Maple, Ash, Beech and Cherry Avenues.
This park, named after Flushing historian Margaret Carman, stands on the land that was part of Parsons Nursery, once one of the most renowned nurseries in the country.
[Captions:]
Margaret Carman (1890-1976) was the driving force behind the creation of the Flushing Freedom Mile. (near right)
This 1851 map of Flushing shows the sites of the nurseries and gardens in the neighborhood: Parsons
this page online
William Prince's Flushing Landing was the first commercial nursery in America. This catalog, from 1771, shows the wide variety of trees and shrubs offered for sale. (below)
Erected by Queens Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the New York, Flushing Freedom Mile series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 40° 45.785′ N, 73° 49.511′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is at the intersection of Bowne Street and 37th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Bowne Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Bowne St, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fox Oaks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bowne House (within shouting distance of this marker); George Fox Stone (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
