Ladd's Addition Rose Garden has only been under Portland Parks & Recreation's care since 1981, but its history goes back much further. William Sargent Ladd followed the Gold Rush west from Vermont in the mid 1800's, settling in Portland in 1851. Only 3 years later he was elected mayor of the city of Portland. In 1891 he decided to subdivide his 126-acre farm on Portland's east side. Inspired by Pierre L'Enfant's plan for Washington, D.C., Ladd designed the neighborhood on a diagonal street system surrounding a central park. Included in the park were 4 rose gardens, coming together to form the points of a compass.

    In 1909, Park Superintendent Emanuel Mische designed a formal landscape plan for the gardens in Ladd's Addition. He planted camellias, perennials, and a lawn area in the central circle and numerous rose varieties in the four diamonds, creating a stunning stained glass effect.

    Today this under 2 acre garden is the home to more than 3,000 roses of over 60 varieties.