Editing Washington Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Washington Square
| image =
| image_caption = Washington Square with the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier
| type = Urban square / Historic park
| location = Center City, Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.9469,-75.1524
| area = 6.4 acres
| established = 1683 (planned); 1825 (named)
| operated_by = National Park Service / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, historic graves, walking paths
| transit = SEPTA bus routes; Independence Hall area
| website = https://www.nps.gov/inde
}}

'''Washington Square''' is one of [[William Penn]]'s original five public squares in [[Philadelphia]] and one of the most historically significant parks in America. Located in the [[Society Hill]] neighborhood near [[Independence Hall]], the square served as a burial ground during the Revolutionary War and is now home to the '''Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier'''.<ref name="nps">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-washingtonsquare.htm |title=Washington Square |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The square provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling historic district and serves as a memorial to the thousands of soldiers and citizens buried beneath its lawns.

== History ==

=== Colonial Era ===

Originally called "Southeast Square" in Penn's 1682 plan, the area was used as a public commons, pasture, and potter's field (burial ground for the poor and unknown).

=== Revolutionary War ===

During the British occupation of Philadelphia (1777-1778), the square became a mass burial ground for:
* American soldiers who died as prisoners of war
* Victims of disease epidemics
* Poor and unidentified citizens

Historians estimate that '''2,000-3,000 people''' are buried in Washington Square, though no markers identify individual graves.

=== 19th Century ===

The square was renamed for George Washington in 1825 and transformed from a burial ground into a proper park. Wealthy families built homes around the square, and it became one of the city's most fashionable addresses.

=== 20th Century ===

In 1954, the '''Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier''' was dedicated, designed as a memorial to the unmarked graves beneath the square. The eternal flame and Washington statue were added as the centerpiece.

== The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ==

The memorial at the center of Washington Square honors the unknown soldiers of the Revolutionary War:

=== Features ===

* '''Eternal Flame''' — Burns continuously
* '''Statue of George Washington''' — Bronze sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon
* '''Inscription:''' "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness"
* '''Wreath-laying ceremonies''' — Held on patriotic holidays

=== Significance ===

While Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors 20th and 21st-century conflicts, Washington Square's tomb is the only monument specifically dedicated to unknown soldiers of the American Revolution.

== The Square Today ==

=== Layout ===

* Diagonal walking paths crossing the square
* Central memorial area
* Mature shade trees
* Benches throughout
* Lawn areas (sitting permitted)

=== Atmosphere ===

Washington Square offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere than [[Rittenhouse Square]]:
* Popular lunch spot for nearby office workers
* Dog walking area
* Reading and relaxation
* Historic reflection

=== Surrounding Area ===

The square is bordered by:
* '''Walnut Street''' (north)
* '''6th Street''' (east)
* '''Locust Street''' (south)
* '''Washington Square West''' neighborhood

Notable nearby sites:
* '''Athenaeum of Philadelphia''' — Historic library
* '''Curtis Center''' — Historic publishing building
* '''Independence Hall''' — Two blocks east
* '''Society Hill''' — Historic residential neighborhood

== Events ==

* '''Memorial Day ceremony''' — Wreath laying at the tomb
* '''Independence Day''' — Patriotic observances
* '''Veterans Day''' — Commemorative events

== Visiting ==

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Bounded by Walnut, Locust, 6th, and Washington Square West

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk from Independence Hall area
* SEPTA buses serve Walnut and Chestnut Streets
* Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking limited; use nearby garages
* Independence Mall parking facilities

=== Tips ===

* Combine with a visit to Independence Hall
* The eternal flame is best seen at dusk
* The square is lovely in spring with flowering trees
* A quiet alternative to busier tourist sites

== See Also ==

* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Franklin Square]]
* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Penn's Five Squares]]
* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Society Hill]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.nps.gov/inde National Park Service - Independence]
* [https://www.ushistory.org/washingtonsquare/ USHistory.org - Washington Square]

{{#seo:
|title=Washington Square Philadelphia - Revolutionary War Memorial & Historic Park
|description=Guide to Washington Square, site of the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. One of Penn's Five Squares with thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers buried beneath.
|keywords=Washington Square Philadelphia, Tomb Unknown Soldier Revolutionary War, Penn's Five Squares, Philadelphia historic parks, Society Hill, Independence Hall area, Philadelphia memorials
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Revolutionary War]]
[[Category:Penn's Five Squares]]