Architecture

The Arch

Washington Square Park opened to the public in 1827. Before the beautiful arch that stands in the park today, there was a temporary arch designed by Stanford White. The arch was made out of wood and stucco. In 1891, it was replaced by the current arch made out of marble. The marble arch was decorated with designs of George Washington, Alexander Sterling Calder, and Herman MacNeil. There are also many different monuments in the park that were designed by different architects. There is a fountain, bust of steel innovator Alexander Lyman Holley designed by John Quincy Adams Ward, and many more structures across the park.

reviews

People say that Washington Square Park is a very pleasant place, and you should visit because of the street theater and music. It is also great for walks, and the arch is amazing.

Trip advisor reviews:
Went there on a Sunday after the walking the High Line, when we arrived there were some buskers under the monument, plenty of people milling around, it was really cool. Everybody was chilled, complete contrast to uptown Manhattan.

a must see, the bird man was entertaining. The girls held and fed pigeons, The arch was beautiful. A quick walk from a metro station.

a good place to sit and relax. many people and performers here so it is a good place to people watch and see all walks of life. would recommend in the area. the large arch in the park is good for pictures. and plenty of room to troll around

Washington Square Park is a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy a bit of quiet time. the fountain in the middle of the park is a great feature and a lot of locals also stop here for a bite to eat during the day. the Arch is also lovely, very similar to the arc de Triomphe in Paris.

More reviews at:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d136354-Reviews-Washington_Square_Park-New_York_City_New_York.html

History of Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park was name after one of America's great leaders, George Washington. The park was used for many things before becoming a public park. The history of the park dates back to the Native American Lenape tribe, which caught trout in the Minetta stream running through the area. After this, the land was used as a trading post. Then the park was used as a "potter's field," or public burial ground where New Yorkers who couldn't afford any other ceremonial rituals were buried. Also, people who lost their lives to sicknesses--mainly yellow fever--were buried in the park. About 20,000 bodies remain under Washington Square Park today. In 1797, public executions were held in that space. There is a tree called Hangman's Elm in the park because of many superstitions of people being hung by the tree,

Hangman's Elm 

yet the only record of a hanging was a young women named Rose Butler, who was punished for arson but was strung up on a gallows across the street. Following that, in 1826, it was used as military parade grounds. Soon after, a residential area grew around the park.

Location of Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is located on the end of Fifth Avenue at MacDougal Street, between Washington Square South and East. It is in Greenwich Village, a lively artistic area in Manhattan.

map of Washington Square Park 

Around the park there are many exquisite coffee shops. However, inside the park is a great place to relax and get away from the busy city and take a break or a peaceful walk. Furthermore, there are many performances: street theater and musicians play for large crowds of people, and there are amazing opportunities to take pictures.





From Plaza hotel to the park directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/The+Plaza+Hotel,+5th+Avenue,+New+York,+NY/Washington+Square+Park,+New+York,+NY/@40.7479142,-74.0038712,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c258f07d5da561:0x61f6aa300ba8339d!2m2!1d-73.974488!2d40.764469!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c25990e23d7e8d:0xfa615edfd1b67e18!2m2!1d-73.997332!2d40.730823