Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Washington Square

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

1. Washington Square Marker

Inscription. Washington Square (6.4 acres) is one of the original five squares laid out by William Penn and his surveyor Thomas Holme in the plan for the city of Philadelphia in 1682. First designated as Southeast Square, it was renamed Washington Square in 1825 in honor of America's most illustrious Revolutionary War General and First President of the United States, General George Washington.
During the American Revolution, Washington Square served as a burial ground for over 2,000 Continental soldiers and British prisoners. It has remained an open space public parkland since 1816 as have three of the other original squares - Franklin, Logan and Rittenhouse. Center Square, at Broad and Market Streets, is now the site of Philadelphia's landmark City Hall.
Park Rules
No dogs, bicycles or alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Square. Your cooperation in helping protect and maintain this historic area is requested and appreciated

Erected by The Fairmount Park Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Military • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1682.

Location. 39° 56.855′ N, 75° 9.08′ W.

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Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. Marker can be reached from Walnut and 6th Streets. Marker is near the northeast corner of the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Penn's Plan (here, next to this marker); Bicentennial Moon Tree (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Washington Square (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of the Many American Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); Tom Foglietta (within shouting distance of this marker); Walnut Street Prison (within shouting distance of this marker); The Capital City (within shouting distance of this marker); A Fashionable Promenade (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Washington Square Markers.

Tree lined walk into Washington Square. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008

2. Tree lined walk into Washington Square.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 975 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.