Washington Square Park | Philadelphia

Washington Square Park is one of Philadelphia’s five original public squares, rich in history and significance. It serves today as a peaceful urban green space and a memorial site embedded in the fabric of America’s early history.

Location and Layout

Washington Square Park is located in the historic district of Philadelphia, bordered by 6th and 7th Streets, and Walnut and Locust Streets.

It occupies approximately 6.4 acres and is part of the Independence National Historical Park.

The park features winding paths, mature trees, benches, and landscaped gardens, offering a tranquil oasis amid the city’s hustle and bustle.

Historical Background

The park was originally designated as Southeast Square in 1682, part of William Penn’s original plan for Philadelphia.

In 1825, the square was renamed Washington Square in honor of George Washington.

During the 18th century, the park was used as a burial ground. It served as a potter’s field where enslaved and free African Americans, Revolutionary War soldiers (both American and British), and victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic were interred in mass graves.

Archaeological excavations in the 20th century uncovered human remains, many of which were reinterred with dignity during the establishment of the memorial.

The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier

Established in 1954, this solemn monument honors the countless unknown soldiers who fought and died during the American Revolutionary War.

The tomb contains the remains of an unidentified soldier believed to be a Continental Army serviceman, discovered during park renovations.

The memorial features:

An eternal flame symbolizing everlasting remembrance.

A bronze statue of George Washington overseeing the tomb.

Inscriptions commemorating the sacrifices made for American independence.

The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier is a powerful symbol of gratitude and remembrance for all who served anonymously.

Botanical and Architectural Features

Washington Square is recognized as a Level One International Arboretum, containing over 30 species of trees.

Notable plantings include sycamores and other native species, with some trees dating back to the 19th century.

The park also features a Moon Tree, a sycamore grown from seeds that orbited the Moon on the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. Although the original died, a clone was planted in 2011.

Historic architectural elements include:

Two 19th-century guardhouses originally used by the Fairmount Park Police.

An 1869 watering trough that once provided water for horses and dogs.

Present-Day Role and Atmosphere

Today, Washington Square functions as a serene urban park where residents, workers, and tourists come to relax, reflect, and enjoy nature.

It is a site for small public gatherings, peaceful contemplation, and remembrance.

The park’s layout encourages quiet walks, with shaded benches and green lawns offering respite from city life.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and admission is free.

It is fully wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps.

Visitors can easily reach Washington Square via public transportation, and it is within walking distance of many other historic sites in Philadelphia’s Old City and Historic District.

Nearby Historic Attractions

Washington Square is strategically located near some of America’s most iconic landmarks, including:

Independence Hall — where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted.

Liberty Bell Center — home to the symbolic Liberty Bell.

Congress Hall — the former seat of the United States Congress.

These nearby sites form a cluster of national treasures that provide rich context for Washington Square’s historical significance.

Summary

Washington Square Park is much more than a green space in Philadelphia. It is a historical landmark that encapsulates the early struggles and sacrifices that helped shape the United States. Its role as a burial ground, memorial site, and arboretum gives it layers of cultural, historical, and natural importance. Visitors to the park experience a sense of reverence mixed with calm, reflecting on the stories of the nation’s founders, soldiers, and everyday citizens who contributed to American history.