Washington Square Park was added to Your Favorites!
New York, New York
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
Before it became a park, the area was used as a potter's field, where over 20,000 bodies were buried in the late 18th century.
The Washington Square Arch was built in 1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as President.
In 1992, a time capsule was buried near the arch, set to be opened in 2092, containing items like a New York Times newspaper and a subway token.
Washington Square Park was a popular hangout for Beat Generation writers and artists like Allen Ginsberg and Bob Dylan in the 1950s and 60s.
The park's English Elm, known as the 'Hanging Tree,' is rumored to have been used for public executions in the 19th century.
The park is famous for its outdoor chess tables, where players of all skill levels gather to challenge each other.
The park has been a site for numerous protests and rallies, including the 1911 Women's Suffrage Parade and the 1968 student protests.
The central fountain, a popular gathering spot, was originally installed in 1852 and has been a focal point of the park ever since.
