The present-day Botanic Gardens was established in 1859 by the local Agri-Horticultural Society on land donated by Hoo Ah Kay, also known as Whampoa. Originally founded in 1822 at Fort Canning by Sir Stamford Raffles, the gardens were eventually disbanded. In 1874, they were officially opened to the public. In the background of this photograph, a view of Istana Tyersall can be seen.
