Union Square (New York City)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Union Square (also known as Union Square Park) is an important and historic intersection in New York City, located where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Today it is bounded by 14th Street, Union Square East, 17th Street, and Union Square West. Important thoroughfares which lead away from the park are Broadway, leading both north and south; Fourth Avenue, leading southeast to the Bowery; and Park Avenue South, leading north to Grand Central Terminal. Union Square is also the site of an important subway station; 14th Street-Union Square, a stop on the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains. Neighborhoods around the park are the Flatiron District to the north, Chelsea to the west, Greenwich Village and New York University to the south, and Gramercy to the east.
Union Square is noted for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington, created by Henry Kirke Brown and unveiled in 1856. In April 1861, soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, Union Square was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time. A newer addition, added in 1986, is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park. |
 Union Square is also known for its farmers' market, which is held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 8 AM and 6 PM.
The park is also the starting point for many political demonstrations, most notably the 2004 Republican National Convention protest activity. It is - and was in the past - a frequent gathering point for radicals of all stripes, whom one will often find speaking or demonstrating. For example, in homage to Cindy Sheehan's Camp Casey, a group of anti-war activists maintained a 24/7 "Camp Casey NYC" distributing anti-war literature, stickers, and the like, despite a few temporary "evictions" by the police.
In the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners and activists promoting peace. People created spontaneous memorials in Union Square, and the square was the setting for vigils held to honor the victims of the attacks. |
External links
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* A History of Union Square, on the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website
* Photograph of Union Square taken in September 2001, showing flowers and candles left in memory of 9/11 victims
* CENYC Greenmarket Farmer's Markets Official Site
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