Lincoln Park originated in response to public health concerns in the 1850's over a lakeside cemetery. An unused section of the burial ground was reserved as Lake Park in 1860 and renamed soon 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 expanded into the rest of the cemetery, and Lake Shore Drive was developed as the boulevard connection with downtown. Severe winter storms in 1885 led to construction of a breakwater system in Lake Michigan, including the first of many landfill projects that extended the park's boundaries. Over time, improvements included notable works of art, landscape design, and architecture. In the 1890's, Victorian interest in horticulture brought the construction of the Lincoln Park Conservatory and surrounding gardens. After the turn of the century, growing 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.
