Washington Square

Washington Square
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	Official Site

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.

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

External Links

• National Park Service - Independence
• USHistory.org - Washington Square