Patrick A. Collins (1844-1905) was the second Irish mayor of Boston, serving from 1902-1905 when he died still in office. He was born in Ireland and when he was four, he and his mother immigrated to the United States. They immigrated after his father died during the Great Famine, when nearly a million Irishmen died and many others left their homeland forever. Collins suffered many of the same problems as the other Irish immigrants of his time. During the 1850s, the belief of nativism led to violence throughout the country. Collins was beaten and even had his arm broken during one of these violent protests.

Collins attended public schools and later attended Harvard for a law degree. Throughout his young adult life until his death, he served in various government positions. While serving Massachusetts, he fought for equality for the Irish Catholics. Boston was established on Protestant beliefs that did not align with Catholicism. The tension between the Protestants and Catholics of Boston was apparent in every aspect of life. For example, Massachusetts General Hospital resisted treating Irish patients through the 1860s. Also, Catholics had to take a separate oath when in court than any other religion. Collins fought against these practices and sought peace and equality.

Although Collins was born in Ireland, his home was the United States. The statue at the Commonwealth Avenue Mall represents both his connection to his native country and his country he considered home. After his sudden death while still in office, the people of Boston raised the funds for his memorial within six days of his passing. This was not out of obligation, but out of respect. Its current location was not the original location, it was moved in 1966 because of construction near the original site. Now he sits among other influential Bostonians of the past. 

By: Jessica McKenzie

Credits and Sources:

“Collins, Patrick Andrew, (1844-1905).” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=C000641

Friends of the Public Garden. “Sculpture & Memorials.” Friends of the Public Garden. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/our-parks/commonwealth-avenue-mall/sculpture-memorials/

Kennedy, Lawrence W. “Young Patrick A. Collins and Boston Politics after the Civil War.” Historical Journal of Massachusetts(Spring 2010): 38-59. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://www.westfield.ma.edu/mhj/pdfs/Young%20Patrick%20A.%20Collins.pdf

“Patrick A. Collins: 1883-1888.” Roxbury Community College. Accessed September 12, 2016. http://capuano.house.gov/about/history/statistics.shtml