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William Penn founded the city of Philadelphia. He wanted the city to have green spaces that can be used by the public. He designed five squares and Washington Square near Independence Mall is one of them. The other squares are Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square, Franklin Square and Center Square (the site of City Hall).
Washington Square was initially known as Southeastern Square. When the British occupied Philadelphia (1777 to 1778), Washington Square was a burial ground for British and American soldiers and also for citizens of Philadelphia. The centerpiece of the square is the “Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier”. It was designed in the 1950’s by architect G. Edwin Brumbaugh. The same architect also designed the unique brick wall that surrounds Washington Square. G. Edwin Brumbaugh was the son of the Pennsylvania Governor. There is an eternal flame that always flickering.
How do I get to Washington Square?
Washington Square is located at the intersection of Walnut Street and 6th Street (Rittenhouse Square is Walnut Street and 18th Street). It is about a 11 block walk from Rittenhouse Square (about 1 mile). Washington Square is a block away from Independence Hall.
- PATCO: You can take the PATCO train from New Jersey and get off at the 9-10th and Locust Station. Washington Square is 4 blocks away from this station.
- SEPTA Regional Rail: If you are taking SEPTA Regional Rail, you should get off at the Jefferson Station. Jefferson Station is only 4 blocks away from Independence Hall and Washington Square.
- Subway: You can also take the Market-Frankford subway line. You can either get off at the 8th and Market Station or the 5th Street Independence Hall Station. Both stops are close to Washington Square.
- I-95 and I-676: You can easily get to Washington Square from both I-95 and also I-676. From I-95, I would take the exit for Columbus Boulevard and then take Spruce Street instead of taking Exit 22.
Parking in Washington Square.
Street parking in and around Washington Square is very difficult to find. You will have to drive around the city blocks for a lot of time before you can find a good spot. There are several parking lots near Washington Square as well. But my suggestion would be to park at the AutoPark near Independence Mall.
This parking lot is under the Independence Visitor Center and is maintained by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. In addition to the Independence Visitor Center, the Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, National Museum of American Jewish History and the Independence Hall itself are very close to this parking lot.
Things to do near Washington Square.
- Washington Square is my second most favorite square in Philadelphia (Rittenhouse Square is my favorite). I walk between these two square on Walnut Street regularly. Sitting in the center of Washington Square and looking at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and thinking about the over 300 years of history is one of my favorite things to do. Washington Square is one of the many parts of Philadelphia that is older than the United States of America itself.
- I also like to walk along around the Square. The walls that surround the park has a very old world feel, although they are not that old compared to the park itself. The houses and buildings that surround the park are very historic.
- The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is on the 6th Street side of the Square. Founded in 1814, it is a special collections library and museum. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark.
- National Mall: A visit to Philadelphia is not complete until you visit the National Mall. What happened in this part of Philadelphia hundreds of years ago has had a significant impact on World history. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenters Hall and Graff House are all within easy walking distance of Washington Square.
- City Tavern: If you are tired after all the walking, why not take a break at the City Tavern? The building that stands now is a replica of the building that was demolished in 1854 (damaged because of fire). It is here that George Washington first met Marquis de Lafayette. It is also here that the first 4th of July celebrations were held back in 1777. Not impressed yet? John Adams called it the most genteel tavern in America”! Good enough for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, good for me! My favorite drink at the tavern is the “General Washington’s Tavern Porter”.
Washington Square is a beautiful park. The Square has a quiet neighborhood feel although it is right next to Independence Hall which is one of the most visited places in this country. You should definitely consider visiting the Square and the Independence Hall on your next visit to the City of Brotherly Love.
Which is your favorite square in Philadelphia?
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