New York 2016 - Union Square

Union Square derives it's name from the Union of two major thoroughfares in New York, Broadway and Fourth Avenue (formerly Bowery Road).

Union Square

Union Square
New York City

 

The Square contains a statue of George Washington, unveiled in 1856, which depicts General Washington leading American troops into New York on 27th November 1783 into New York City following the withdrawal of the British.

George Washington Statue
Union Square NYC 

Evacuation Day - November 27th 1783
George Washington leads American Troops into New York City

Union Square took on a different meaning on 20th April 1861 at the start of the American Civil War. Although many in New York City supported the Southern States prior to the War, the act of aggression by Confederate Troops capturing Fort Sumter in South Carolina had the effect of New Yorkers rallying to the Union cause. An estimated 100,000 people of attended a rally in Union Square.

The Great Sumter Rally in Union Square



Sumter Rally Union Square NYC
20th April 1861

 

Union Park is now a leafy park, a place for relaxing in a busy Manhattan and the location of a fresh produce farmers market.

Union Park
New York City

IJ looking at President Lincolns Statue
New York City

Farmers Fresh Produce Market
New York City
 

VM with Sculpture
Park Avenue Union Square
New York City