Washington Square Park Research Paper

New York is often known for their bustling streets and extraordinary landmarks. Washington Square Park is used daily by the public for demonstrations, entertainment, a campus or simply a place to be idle nearly any time of the day. Many have argued that Washington Square is not a park or even a square but nonetheless, it is home to many for various demonstrations regarding political and social movements (Folple 1). It has become an important part of New York and their history due to its many protests that helped shape several legislations. Washington Square Park is located in lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village and is almost ten acres long. Throughout the years, the land of Washington Square has provided different uses to the people of New

In 1889, New York architect Stanford White created an arch overlooking fifth avenue, inspired by the l’arc de triomphe in France. The arch is almost eighty feet tall and was constructed in celebration of George Washington’s centennial inauguration (Buescher). The city continued to show their pride for Washington by adding two statues of him on the north side of the park. The park not only represented an outstanding leader in the United States, but internationally as well. In 1888, the park dedicated a monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, an important politician who was known as one of the fathers of Italy (Folpe 118). After he fled his home country when Mazzini’s reign ended, Garibaldi came to New York and began making candles. Although he did not lead a political life in the city, once he had passed, the italian community in Greenwich Village pushed legislation for a statue in his dedication (Harris 133). The creation of Washington Square Park and its monuments hold political significance as it shows how the people of New York never forget where they were built from. Hundreds of years later, they still honor our founding father as well as embracing the many different cultures that are brought to New York, along with their politics. The park represents one of our founding fathers who help lead the country to its independence and freedom. Washington Square Park showcases the city’s patriotism to the United States as a