Lincoln Park was created in response to concerns in the 1850's about the public health threat posed by a lakeside cemetery. An unused section of the burial ground was reserved as Lake Park in 1860, and renamed shortly after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. An early donation of several mute swans led to the creation of Lincoln Park Zoo. In 1869, the park was expanded into the remaining cemetery, and Lake Shore Drive was developed as the boulevard connection with downtown. Severe winter storms of 1885 resulted in the construction of a breakwater system in Lake Michigan which included the first of what became many landfill projects extending Lincoln Park's boundaries. Throughout the park's history, its improvements have included renowned works of art, landscape design, and architecture. In the 1890's, the Victorian interest in horticulture resulted in the construction of the Lincoln Park Conservatory and surrounding gardens. After the turn of the century, increasing recreational needs led to additional ball fields, playgrounds, beaches, harbors, and a golf course. A final expansion in the 1950s brought Lincoln Park to its current size of 1208 acres.
