In the beginning of XIX century it was an empty place in the city's central district. Emperor Alexander I decided to organize a park here, but preparations started only after his death.

Otto Kankrin, the minister of finance, organized the work of a group of prominent architects and gardeners. He wanted to make the road to fortress, where State Emperial Mint was situated, more beautiful and comfortable. Architect Kutzi suggested his plan of English style park to the Royal Court and Emperor Nickolas I approved it in 1842. Kankrin used to visit the park, he wanted to organize fountains with mineral water and recreation zone there. The restaurant was opened in the park and minister set the prices. Coffee houses, sandpits and game zones for children were organized, as well as the area for riding around the whole territory of the park, that was named after emperor Alexander I.

In 1906 orthopedic hospital was built  on the park's territory. Visitors could see a magnificent majolica icon on its frontal wall. The icon was the first work of famous artist Petrov-Vodkin.

In 1911  the monument to a ship called Steregushchiy was erected. The famous ship was drawn by its own crew, that refused to surrender to Japanese.