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Washington Square Park Research Paper

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As the triumphant arc of George Washington stands proudly in the center of the park it is surrounded by a history of death. One of the surrounding buildings now housing New York University students was once the stage of a tragic fire, the fountain in which the children are playing in lays over mass graves and the large proud elm tree at the northeast corner of the park was once the final destination of those condemned to die. This history is one of sadness but the city of New York and the park itself have been able to overcome this history and become the laugh filled recreation area it is today.
During the Revolutionary War the area was used to execute those accused of treason. A large looming elm tree that still stands in the northwest corner of the park has been reported to have been the site of hundreds of public executions during this time period. After the United States won its independence from Britain the area which would become Washington Square Park was taken from the English and Dutch land owners residing in the area. The area was then transformed into a Potters …show more content…

Mayor Philip Hone allowed the cities Seventh Military Regiment to expand the area, create pathways and plant grass in the new park (Moke 2012). After this transformation the once burial ground and the purpose of the large elm tree began to be lost to history due to attempts to beautify the area and the wealthy moved into the area. However creating a park would not stop the horrible history that plagued the area. On March 25th 1911 a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory located directly next to Washington Square Park. In eighteen minutes one hundred and forty six people, mostly young immigrant women who worked in the factory, were dead (Cornell University). All of this dark history has been hidden from the visiting public in order to maintain a appearance of serenity of the

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