A New York Icon
Located at the northern gateway of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, the Washington Square Arch stands as one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. This grand marble structure, inspired by classical Roman triumphal arches, was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s presidential inauguration.
From Temporary Tribute to Permanent Icon
In 1889, a temporary wooden and plaster arch was erected to honor George Washington. Its instant popularity with New Yorkers prompted the city to commission a permanent version. In 1890, renowned Gilded Age architect Stanford White was tasked with designing a marble replacement, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
A Cemetery Beneath Your Feet
While constructing the permanent arch, workers unearthed a grim reminder of the park’s past: coffins, bones, and gravestones. This wasn’t unexpected — from the late 1700s to 1825, Washington Square Park served as a potter’s field, a burial ground for the poor, unclaimed, and victims of yellow fever.
Even today, it’s estimated that over 20,000 bodies remain buried beneath the park’s pathways and lawns. Few realize that one of NYC’s most vibrant public spaces doubles as an unmarked cemetery.
Wrapping the Arch: Francis Hines’ 1980 Art Installation
By the 1980s, Washington Square Park was a symbol of urban decay. The arch was scarred by graffiti, pollution, and neglect. Enter Francis Hines, an artist known for wrapping urban structures in fabric. In 1980, he wrapped the arch in 8,000 yards of white polyester netting, creating a temporary installation that resembled a massive bandage.
The wrapped arch became a powerful visual metaphor for healing. It sparked conversations about urban preservation and drew comparisons to global art legends Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Though on display for only six days, the installation helped fuel a restoration movement for both the park and the arch.
Images of the Arch
Yesteryear and Today
Final Thoughts
Now fully restored, the Washington Square Arch continues to honor George Washington while serving as a gateway to a park filled with musicians, artists, students, and travelers. Its layered history, part tribute, part graveyard, part art canvas, makes it a must-see for visitors exploring New York City’s hidden stories.
During the warmer months it can be hectic. You can watch the people, and drug dealers peddling here. Just look for the tables in and around the fountain. My tip, don’t go to the North West side of the park. Sketchy to say the least.
So next time you walk through Washington Square Park, take a moment to look up at the arch, and down at the ground beneath you, where centuries of New York’s history lie just beneath the surface.
Happy travels
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Brett Williams
Bio
Brett Williams, founder of Ylore Travel, has explored over 50 countries and lived in four, embodying his passion for travel and cultural immersion. His love for discovering new places and unique experiences inspired the creation of Ylore, making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide.