One of the most notable parks in New York City, Washington Square Park has become an icon of the city. That impact is partly on account of the Washington Arch monument, which has established itself as an obvious meeting place for residents as well as a center for visitor activity. However, the iconic nature of the park is about much more than a single monument, which has created numerous benefits for the community that can be recognized across the city and beyond.
From a Potter’s Field to New York Icon
Named for George Washington, Washington Square Park was originally used by the city as a potter’s field and execution site. After being used as the Washington Military Parade Ground in 1826, it became a public park in 1827. The space was completely redesigned in 1870, with walking paths and shade trees defining the periphery of the park.
A wooden arch was installed at Washington Square Park in 1889 to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as president of the United States. It was so popular it compelled the creation of the Washington Arch. Modeled after the Arc de Triomphe, the Washington Arch was dedicated in 1895 and has helped the space become an icon for the community and city, cultivating engagement from both residents and visitors.
As a central element of the city that encourages everything from a relaxing stroll to political activity, Washington Square Park has hosted large and small events and activities over the decades, highlighting how it has become an essential element of the community.
Monuments, Events and Engagement
Washington Square Park is surrounded by Greek Revival townhouses that defined the early community. A stretch of 13 grand townhouses on the north side of the Square are known as “The Row” and have been able to achieve this status on account of the iconic nature of Washington Square Park.
This status is further bolstered on account of other monuments that have been installed in the space, including statues of George Washington as Commander-in-Chief, George Washington as President, a Giuseppe Garibaldi statue and the fountain that resides in the middle of the space.
Nearby stores and restaurants have benefitted from the activity at Washington Square Park with many using the park and the iconic nature of the Washington Arch in a direct way. Additionally, the Washington Arch has become an unofficial symbol of New York University.
As an example of how the space has been embraced by the community, the Washington Square Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization working with NYC Parks and neighborhood groups to ensure that Washington Square Park continues as a diverse and historical urban green space. The organization raises funds to help keep the park clean and engages volunteers to support these efforts.
Home of special events like the Village Halloween Parade and various others each year, Washington Square features organized activities but is also a place where residents, chess players, students, performers and tourists can gather to relax and explore and enjoy the surroundings. Doing so has defined the entire space as an icon that attracts attention from all over the world.
Monuments as Part of and Defining an Icon
Mentioned as one of the jewels of the New York City Park system as well as one of the main reasons why people visit the city, Washington Square Park is a major feature of maps and guides to New York City. The Washington Arch is a central element of many of the tours and guides, further highlighting the power of distinctive monuments.
With tourists taking selfies and residents relaxing in the space, Washington Square Park highlights what kind of benefits an icon can enable. The park highlights what it can mean for monuments to be part of and define icons that create countless benefits across spaces, audiences and entire eras.
