PARK FACT:
Philanthropist Daniel Willis James donated the James Fountain to the park in the 1880s with the intention of teaching New Yorkers about kindness and charity. Originally, tin cups were chained to the fountain to allow passerby to quench their thirst.
Union Square Park
Highlights
Abraham Lincoln Statue
One of three sculptural renditions of Abraham Lincoln (18091865) in New York Citys parks, this larger-than-life bronze by Henry Kirke Brown (18141886) stands vigil on a… Read More
George Washington Statue
This impressive bronze equestrian portrait of George Washington (17321799), the first president of the United States, is the oldest sculpture in the New York City Parks… Read More
Independence Flagstaff
Although this flagstaff commemorates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is also known as the Charles F. Murphy Memorial Flagpole.… Read More
James Fountain
Also known as the Union Square Drinking Fountain, this ornate piece by German sculptor Karl Adolph Donndorf (18351916) was donated by philanthropist Daniel Willis James… Read More
Marquis De Lafayette
This bronze sculpture depicts the Marquis de Lafayette (17571834), the French-born general who fought on behalf of American rebels during the American Revolution. Cast… Read More
Mohandas Gandhi
This bronze sculpture depicting Mohandas Gandhi (18691948) was sculpted by Kantilal B. Patel (born 1925). After its dedication on October 2, 1986, the 117th… Read More
Union Square
For nearly 170 years Union Square has been a gathering place—for commerce, for entertainment, for labor and political events, and for recreation. The park … Read More
Under Construction
The north plaza, 16th Street transverse, and east plaza have been completed. The playground is expected to open by the end of November. Work on the pavilion building and comfort station will continue and will be completed in early 2010.
Anticipated Completion: Winter 2010
