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Union Square Of New York

                                            

     


One of the most notables squares of the U.S. after Times Square and Madison Square and nominated as a national historic landmark of New York City by the United States Department of the Interior, it has been serving as a gathering place for labour and political parties, and for commerce and entertainment for around 170 years. Union square is home to the city’s largest green market established in 1976 and has since than grown with an amazing pace. Nearly one hundred and forty farmers, fishermen, and bakers of the region come here to sell their products to the citizens. Freshly packed fruits and vegetable, heritage meat, farmstead cheese, breads, jams, pickles, ciders, maples, etc. are available to about 60000 shoppers on a market day. Hundreds of shops and restaurants of standard abound the square. 

Besides these, the square can boast of possessing a large and beautiful park bearing historical significance. Innumerable festivals and community events have taken place here as the First Labour Day parade (1862), the Workers’ Rallies (1930s), the First Earth Day (1970) etc.

                                                 The hustle and bustle at Union square

The Past in Brief

Previously used as a burial ground for years and known by the name of Potter’s Field in those days, it was authorised by the New York state government as a public place after the commissioner’s plan for the streets and avenues of Manhattan was launched. The place was named Union Square for it was located at the union of Broadway and the Fourth Avenue. On 19th July 1839, Union Square Park was opened to public. Having an oval shape and enclosed by an iron fence in earlier days, it had a large fountain at its centre. With the expansion of the downtown to the north, the square began to change into an important commercial and residential centre. Many offices, hotels, and houses appeared along its borders as well as theatres, musical auditoriums, and lecture halls.

The park was redesigned in 1832. The earlier iron fence was removed, the sidewalks were widened and trees of various kinds were planted in 1880s. Philanthropist Daniel James donated the James Fountain to it. The purpose of this act was to teach kindness and charity to the people of New York. It had tin cups attached to it formerly for wayfarers to quench their thirst.

During the nineteenth century statues of several prominent persons were installed in Union Square, e.g., George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Marquis De  Lafayette. In 1986, the statue of the renowned political leader Mohan Das Gandhi was added to them. 



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