Washington Square, originally known as Congo Square, is one of William Penn's original five city squares. In colonial times, Black men and women were brought to this area before they were sold into bondage and transported to their new homes. The square later served as a burial ground for both American and British Revolutionary War soldiers and ironically, white and Black victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic were also buried together here. These days it's the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Website: nps.gov
Phone: (215) 592-7787
Cross Streets: Between Saint James St and Locust St
Walnut Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets Philadelphia, PA 19106 ·267.78 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
- Accessible
Reviews
tripadvisor
Lovely historic park in Philadelphia , very moving to see the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War soldier. There are many plaques around the park explaining its history. As part of our homeschool my children and I had read Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, this park plays a significant role serving as a mass burial ground during the Yellow Fever plague so that was meaningful for us to see.
MoreThis park is wonderful green area in the city and was already in the plan of the city founder William Penn as one of five parks within “Greene Countrie Towne”. The original name was Southeast Square but in the beginning of 19th century was renamed to honour first US president. There are plenty benches to sit and relax, watch squirrels or kids playing around the fountain in the middle of the park. By the 18th century, it had become a burial ground for poor Philadelphians, American and British soldiers during the British occupation of Philadelphia (1777-78) and victims of yellow fever. Enslaved and free African Americans socialized here and the city later landscaped the grounds as a public park. The most important part of the park is Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution with eternal flame. There are a few information displays as well plaques. I really liked it a lot.
MoreDefinitely visit Washington Square while in Philadelphia. It is one of the 5 historic parks for Philadelphia drawn up by William Penn in 1600's. It is the home of the tomb of unknown soldier for the American revolutionary war with an eternal flame and a memorial for mass graves in the square. Thousands of people have been buried there in unmarked graves from the revolutionary war and sickness during yellow fever epidemic in 1700's.
MoreA beautiful green space in an urban setting. Dedicated to the contribution of one of our founding fathers. A nice place to stop and get a rest on a hot day. George Washington’s statue is accompanied by an eternal flame which is appropriate. The center of the park has a water fountain as well.
MoreWe passed this park twice during our visit. The wide accessible paths offer good walking with views of greenery and trees. The tomb of the unknown soldier is somber as is knowing that slaves were brought here for distribution. Three marble signs, which are difficult to read, show the history of Washington Square.This open air Venue is accessible and offers wide concrete paths among the grass and greenery.
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