Washington Square Park

In the past, when the Dutch had control in New-Amsterdam, the area around Washington Square Park was used as farming land.
But when New York went through terrible yellow fever epidemics in the early 1800s, most of those who died from yellow fever were buried in the former farm lands, safely away from town, as a hygienic measure. The cemetery was closed in 1825. To this day, the remains of more than 20,000 bodies rest under Washington Square

In 1826 the City bought the land of the cemetery, the square was laid out and leveled, and it was turned into the Washington Military Parade Ground. Military parade grounds were public spaces specified by the City where volunteer militia companies responsible for the nation's defense would train.
In 1849 the Military Parade Ground was reworked into an official city park.

In 1888 a memorial arch was constructed over 5th Avenue, just north of the park. This arch was to commemorate and celebrate the inauguration of George Washingston as the President of the United States of America. This arch was so popular, that 4 Year's later a permenet marble arch was built.

Nowaday's Washington Square Park is a city park, where you will always find people: performing, playing, sporting, etc. But in the past Washington Square Park was known for the criminal activities that took place during night time. Although the crimelevel has been brought down throughout New York, it is not recommended that you go to Washington Square Park during night time.