| Union Square (new York City) |
Article Index for Union Square |
Website Links For Union |
Information AboutUnion Square (new York City) |
|
Union Square (also known as '''Union Square Park''') is an important and historic intersection in , a stop on the , , , , , , , and trains. Neighborhoods around the park are the Flatiron District to the north, Chelsea to the west, Greenwich Village and New York University to the south, and Gramercy to the east. Union Square is noted for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington , created by Henry Kirke Brown and unveiled in 1856 . In April 1861 , soon after the fall of Fort Sumter , Union Square was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time. A newer addition, added in 1986 , is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park. Union Square is also known for its Farmers' Market , which is held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 8 AM and 6 PM, as well as for the Union Square Holiday Market , which is held November 23 through December 24 between 11 AM and 7 PM. The park is also the starting point for many political demonstrations, most notably the 2004 Republican National Convention Protest Activity . It is—and was in the past—a frequent gathering point for radicals of all stripes, whom one will often find speaking or demonstrating. For example, in homage to Cindy Sheehan's Camp Casey , a group of anti-war activists maintained a 24/7 "Camp Casey NYC" distributing anti-war literature, stickers, and the like, despite a few temporary "evictions" by the police. In the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 , Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners and activists. People created spontaneous candle and photograph memorials in Union Square, and the park was the setting for Vigil s held to honor the victims of the attacks and for efforts to assist workers and rescuers at the World Trade Center Site . This was a natural role for the Square as Lower Manhattan below 14th Street, which forms Union Square's southern border, had been evacuated. The Square's tradition as a meeting place in times of upheaval was also a factor. EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|