Washington Square

Historic Origins

Tucked away in Center City, Philadelphia, Washington Square is a little piece of history amid the urban bustle. Once known as Southeast Square, it was part of William Penn's original blueprint for Philadelphia back in 1682, spanning about 6.4 acres of green respite.

This park has quite a history behind it. In the 18th century, it served as the final resting place for those who succumbed to the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1793 and brave soldiers who fell during the American Revolutionary War. The square's early history was messier and more complicated than its current tidy appearance suggests: two creeks once divided the grounds into triangles, with the northwestern portion functioning as a potter's field and the southeastern section set aside for Catholic burials. During the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777, the dead from the nearby Walnut Street Jail were buried here too, adding yet another layer to the square's long history as a burial ground. By 1825, the square was renamed to honor George Washington, and its transformation into the public park we know today began taking shape.

Features and Monuments

Walk through Washington Square today and you can find yourself under the canopy of diverse trees - majestic American elms, resilient Asian elms, sturdy oaks, vibrant maples, graceful locusts, and fragrant magnolias. At the heart of the park stands the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, established in 1954 and designed by architect G. Edwin Brumbaugh. The bronze Washington statue at its center is a cast of the celebrated Houdon portrait, one of the most recognized likenesses of Washington in existence.

The remains interred within the tomb were actually discovered during archaeological work conducted in the park itself - whether the soldier was Colonial or British has never been determined. The tomb represents only a fraction of what lies beneath: an unknown number of additional bodies remain buried under the square and the surrounding area, and some are still occasionally turned up during construction and maintenance work. An eternal flame flickers beside the tomb, watched over by the statue of George Washington himself.

One of the park's more unexpected pieces of history is tied to outer space. In 1975, a sycamore grown from seeds that astronaut Stuart Roosa carried to the Moon on the Apollo 14 mission was planted in the square - one of many so-called Moon Trees distributed across the country after the mission. The original tree survived until 2009, when it died and was replaced with a clone, which had also died by late 2019. A plaque marking the site remains in place, making it worth a look even if the tree itself is long gone.

During warmer months, the central fountain springs to life, creating a soothing soundtrack for afternoon breaks. Throughout the square, you'll notice historical plaques sharing the park's significance - though they've weathered with time and can be a bit challenging to read.

Visitor Experience

What makes Washington Square special is its calm. Unlike its more popular cousin Rittenhouse Square, this park offers a quieter atmosphere where you can actually hear yourself think. The paved paths wind through open grassy areas dotted with plenty of benches, creating perfect pockets for reading, lunching, or simply watching the world go by.

When summer heat hits Philadelphia, the mature trees here are a godsend, casting generous shade that makes even the hottest days bearable. Dog owners particularly love this park - you'll always spot locals walking their four-legged friends throughout the day. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's unofficial residents too: squirrels scampering about and birds flitting between branches add life to the peaceful setting.

Community Use

This square acts as a shared green space for the neighborhood. It's ideal for impromptu picnics (though you'll want to bring a blanket since there aren't any tables) and the open lawns invite lounging and small get-togethers.

You'll see all kinds of people using Washington Square in their own way - office workers escaping for lunch breaks, folks finding a quiet corner to meditate, or simply someone taking a moment away from city life. The park stays looking lovely thanks in part to dedicated volunteers who tend to the flowerbeds, which put on quite a show come springtime.

One thing to note: unlike some other parks, you won't find playground equipment or restrooms here, so it's better suited for adult relaxation than a family day out with small children.

Park Management

Since 2005, Washington Square has been under the stewardship of the National Park Service as part of the larger Independence National Historical Park. Its proximity to other historic landmarks like Independence Hall makes it a natural stopping point for history buffs exploring Philadelphia's rich past.

The park welcomes visitors 24 hours a day and maintains an impressive level of cleanliness and care. With its historical significance, pleasant landscaping, and peaceful atmosphere, Washington Square is valued by many Philadelphians.