Perkins Park

A Civil War Monument With a Twist

The Brockton Soldiers and Sailors Monument is what sets Perkins Park apart. Dedicated on November 12, 1907, the Civil War memorial was funded through a subscription campaign led by the Women's Relief Corps, with Mrs. Mary E. Alger personally raising nearly $1,000 of the $4,000 cost. Long and Saunders were the contractors.

It's worth a closer look for its pose: rather than the parade rest stance of most Civil War memorials, the soldier is shown in the act of loading his rifle - an unusually dynamic choice - and he has a distinctly youthful look.

Shade on North Main Street

The park itself is a modest green space at 42 North Main Street, maintained by the City of Brockton's Parks and Recreation Department. Trees, including a large oak, give decent shade, a metal fence runs along at least part of the perimeter, and there's a ledge around the edge.

You should know that the park sits next to Father Bill's & MainSpring, a homeless shelter, and the Keys of the Kingdom Tabernacle of Prayer church. It's a regular gathering place for people experiencing homelessness, and there have been reported issues with substance use and other quality-of-life concerns, with the Brockton Police and Fire departments regularly responding to incidents here.