| World / USA / New Jersey / West New York, 4 km from center | Coordinates: 40°44'9"N 73°59'25"W |
Has statues of American Presidents Lincoln and Washington and Indian activist Mohandas K. Ghandi.
The park has historically been the start or the end point for many political demonstrations. It is — and was in the past — a frequent gathering point for radicals of all stripes, whom one will often find speaking or demonstrating. On September 5, 1882, in the first Labor Day celebration, a crowd of at least 10,000 workers paraded up Broadway and filed past the reviewing stand at Union Square.
In the days and weeks following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners. People created spontaneous candle and photograph memorials in the park and vigils were held to honor the victims. This was a natural role for the Square as Lower Manhattan below 14th Street, which forms Union Square's southern border, briefly became a "frozen zone," with no non-emergency vehicles allowed and pedestrians sometimes stopped and asked why they were venturing south by police and national guardsmen. The Square's tradition as a meeting place in times of upheaval was also a factor.
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/unionsquarepark
Photos :
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Category: new york public places
place comments: |
19 months ago Reed | +1 |
 
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Emma Goldman gave a very moving speech here. | ||||
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