The Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Garden

Hanover Sq., Pearl St. and Stone St.

Manhattan

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

The land in and around this park has been used continuously since at least 1637 when it was part of a public street and fronted directly on the East River. By 1730 this area was known as Hanover Square in tribute to the House of Hanover which had acceded to the English throne in the person of George I in 1714. For much of the 18th century, Hanover Square was the center of New York's printing trade and retail business. Local shops sold imported books, clothing, glassware, hardware, and furniture, as well as wine, tobacco, and tea. The Bank of New York moved its headquarters to the square in 1787.