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 16th Street plaza and pavilion are closed. We are reconstructing the north end of the park. A large, state of the art playground will be built, triple the size of the previous play areas. The pavilion is being restored for use as a seasonal concession and a space for community activities. A new comfort station at the east side of the pavilion will serve patrons from the plaza, and will have a restroom accessible to the playground as well. A screened maintenance compound will be located between the comfort station and pavilion for use servicing the busy park. The renovated park should serve the needs of the myriad users of Union Square Park for years to come. This project is a public/private effort between Parks and the Union Square Partnership.
Anticipated Completion: Fall 2009
