Washington Square, originally called Southeast Square, was established in 1682 as one of the five original parks within William Penn’s “Greene Countrie Towne.” By the 18th century, it had become a burial ground for poor Philadelphians; American and British soldiers during the British occupation of Philadelphia; and victims of yellow fever. The city later landscaped the grounds as a public park, and in 1825 it was renamed in honor of George Washington. Within the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, designed by architect G. Edwin Brumbaugh in the 1950s.
Today, public walks provide an opportunity to stroll this beautifully landscaped park. Washington Square is also recognized as a Level One International Arboretum.
Washington Square is managed by the National Park Service as part of Independence National Historical Park.
Cultural Landscape Report for Washington Square (2010) Click Here To View
