Union Square (New York City) - Definition and Overview

Union Square is an important and historic intersection in New York City.

Union Square was located where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Today it is bound by 14th St., Union Square East, 17th St., and Union Square West. Important thoroughfares which lead away from the park are Broadway, leading both north and south; Fourth Ave., leading southeast to the Bowery; and Park Avenue South. 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.

Example Usage of Square