Union Square (New York City)

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Union Square (also known as Union Square Park) is an important and historic intersection in New York City, located where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Today it is bounded by 14th Street, Union Square East, 17th Street, and Union Square West. Important thoroughfares which lead away from the park are Broadway, leading both north and south; Fourth Avenue, leading southeast to the Bowery; and Park Avenue South, leading north to Grand Central Terminal. Union Square is also the site of an important subway station; 14th Street-Union Square, a stop on the Template:NYCS 4, Template:NYCS 5, Template:NYCS 6, Template:NYCS L, Template:NYCS N, Template:NYCS Q, Template:NYCS R, and Template:NYCS W trains. Neighborhoods around the park are the Flatiron District to the north, Chelsea to the west, Greenwich Village and New York University to the south, and Gramercy to the east.

Union Square is noted for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington, created by Henry Kirke Brown and unveiled in 1856. In April 1861, soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, Union Square was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time. A newer addition, added in 1986, is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park. Image:Union Square Farmers Market.jpg Union Square is also known for its farmers' market, which is held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 8 AM and 6 PM.

The park is also the starting point for many political demonstrations, most notably the 2004 Republican National Convention protest activity. It is - and was in the past - a frequent gathering point for radicals of all stripes, whom one will often find speaking or demonstrating. For example, in homage to Cindy Sheehan's Camp Casey, a group of anti-war activists maintained a 24/7 "Camp Casey NYC" distributing anti-war literature, stickers, and the like, despite a few temporary "evictions" by the police.

In the days and weeks following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners and activists. People created spontaneous candle and photograph memorials in Union Square, and the park was the setting for vigils held to honor the victims of the attacks and for efforts to assist workers and rescuers at the World Trade Center site. This was a natural role for the Square as Lower Manhattan below 14th St., which forms Union Square's southern border, had been evacuated. The Square's tradition as a meeting place in times of upheaval was also a factor.

Image:Unionsquare washington statue.jpg

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