Union Square is one of the main squares of Manhattan in New York City, and it is often crowded. This place has a rich history, and today meetings are held here, farmers' fairs, skate competitions, concerts and other events are held.
History of creation
Union Square was originally a cemetery for poor people, but in the 1830s, when the city continued to grow as an economic center, it was closed and trees were planted in its place. Over time, business districts were built around the square. In 1861, a proletarian rally was held in the square, which gathered 250,000 people.
In the 19th century, rallies and protests were held here. The area was considered to be dysfunctional due to the sale of illegal drugs. But the situation has radically changed, now it is one of the safest places in the metropolis. Looking at Union Square, it's hard to imagine that this wasn't the case before.
Short description
The name "Union Square" symbolized the place where the postal roads to Boston and Albany intersected. In the middle of the square there is a monument to George Washington, depicted on horseback. Historians say that the locals, led by him, met the colonists who arrived. He went down in history as the first popularly elected president of the United States.
In the southern part of Union Square, you can see a bronze statue of the Marquis de Lafayette, who became the first honorary citizen of America during his lifetime, the second such honorary citizen was Winston Churchill. The author of the work is Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who gained fame after creating the Statue of Liberty.
The statue of Abraham Lincoln looks modest, without a hint of pathos. The author of the work, Henry Kirk Brown, was able to convey the maximum similarity with his portrait. In the east of Union Square there is a monument to the Indian statesman and politician Mahatma Gandhi. Every year in October, on the Diwali holiday, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, immigrants from India and tourists from this country bring flowers here.
What can I buy
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, there is a market on the square where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The prices are higher than those set in supermarkets. Also, the surrounding farmers put up handicrafts for sale, the alleys around the perimeter of the square are filled with cafes and stalls where you can buy souvenirs.
Jugglers and musicians perform on the street, so people come here not only for shopping. You can see students relaxing between studies, families with children, as well as people walking dogs. There are a lot of people here, not only 4 times a week, on the days of fairs. From Union Square there is a shopping district on Fifth and Sixth Avenues, which is called the Ladies' Mile in society. Here you can buy fashionable outfits, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, paintings, furniture, bed linen, toys for children of different ages.
How to get
Buses No. 85, 86, 87, 91 and CT2 pass near the park. Several metro lines converge at the station: 4, 5, 6, L, N, R and Q. But if you take the MBTA red line, you need to get off at Harvard Square, and then transfer to No. 86, which goes to Union Square. You can also go to Davis Square Station and then take bus No87.
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