Every Rangers fan knows that Madison Square GARDEN is the Blueshirts home but how many know why a GARDEN is part of the name? Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances It all dates back to the 19th Century when an abandoned railroad station across from Madison Square Park was bought by circus boss P.T. Barnum. The impresario then converted the building into a showplace for his animals and clowns. After a while Barnum believed that there was a better venue for his lions and elephants. He sold the building to a fellow named Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore who specialized in flower shows. To give the old building a flair he called it GILMORE'S GARDEN. The flower emporium didn't last long and eventually Gilmore sold the building to the wealthy Vanderbilt Family. Since they didn't need any publicity and since the building was so close to the park, they simply renamed it Madison Square GARDEN. It was the start of the MSG saga. When a second and huge new arena was built next to the park, it also took the name Madison Square Garden. And when the Rangers first home went up in 1925 at Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, it became the third Madison Square Garden. And, of course, you all know about the Rangers present home which – technically speaking – could be called Madison Square Garden IV. All thanks to Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore – and his flowers.
