Washington Square Park

A Piece of St. Louis History

Dating back to 1840, Washington Square Park is one of St. Louis's oldest public spaces. The city originally shelled out $25,000 for this land - quite the investment at the time - making it one of the first substantial parks within city limits.

While it once sprawled across 13.45 acres, today's Washington Square Park is considerably more modest, consisting of narrow green strips that flank both the north and south sides of St. Louis City Hall.

Where to Find It

You'll come across this historic green space along Market Street in the Downtown West neighborhood. It's actually part of a string of six parks that line this major thoroughfare, creating patches of greenery amid the urban landscape.

The park splits into two sections: a northern portion nestled between Market Street and City Hall, and a southern stretch that sits between City Hall and the Municipal Courts building.

What to Expect

Though small, the park offers a welcome breath of fresh air in downtown St. Louis. It's a favorite spot for city employees on lunch breaks, visitors taking a moment to rest, and locals looking for a quiet moment outdoors.

With its simple but pleasant landscaping of grassy areas, mature trees, and winding pathways, it's a surprisingly tranquil spot in the heart of the city.

Don't Miss the Grant Monument

The park's standout feature is undoubtedly the impressive bronze statue of Ulysses S. Grant. Crafted by talented sculptor Robert Bringhurst, the monument captures Grant in his Union Army uniform, a nod to his pivotal role during the Civil War.

Standing at a commanding 9-foot-10-inches tall and perched atop a 10-foot pedestal made of Missouri granite, this statue acts as a quiet reminder of St. Louis's connections to this significant historical figure.