History of Union Square in Pictures (1836 - 1924)
Union Square is a historic intersection and surrounding neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, located where Broadway and the former Bowery Road – now Fourth Avenue – came together in the early 19th century. Its name denotes that “here was the union of the two principal thoroughfares of the island”.
When John Randel was surveying the island in preparation for the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, the Bloomingdale Road (now Broadway) angled away from the Bowery at an acute angle. Because it would have been difficult to develop buildings upon this angle, the Commissioners decided to form a square at the union. In 1815, by act of the state legislature, this former potter’s field became a public commons for the city, at first named Union Place. Union Place originally was supposed to extend from 10th to 17th Streets. Several city officials objected that Union Place was too large and requested that it be “discontinued”, and in 1814, the New York State Legislature acted to downsize the area by making 14th Street the southern boundary.
It was under these constraints that architect Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi submitted his designs which were approved. A fountain was built in the center of Union Square to receive water from the Croton Aqueduct, completed in October 1842. In 1845, as the square finally began to fill with affluent houses, $116,000 was spent in paving the surrounding streets and planting the square. Union Square would also live up to its name in the spirit of the people, becoming one of the most well known meeting places for the masses, which are inevitable since the 4, 5, 6, L, N, R, and Q trains converge in the sprawling train station below.
Its iconic statue of President George Washington on horseback has long been one of the most identifiable landmarks, and a symbol of the freedom to congregate under the banner of american liberty.
1855: George Washington Monument at Union Square
A group gathered around the newly constructed monument of George Washington in Union Square, dedicated in 1856 the the oldest sculpture in any NYC Park.
1860: Parade on Broadway near Union Square
An aerial photograph shows a large crowd of spectators enjoying a parade on Broadway.
1860: Aerial View of Union Square
A view of 14th Street and 4th Avenue looking northwest over the Washington's Equestrian Statue at Union Square, New York City.
1863: George Washington Statue at Union Square, NYC
Photograph by George Stacy showing the bronze sculpture of George Washington by John Quincy Adams Ward, originally installed at Federal Hall National Memorial.
1868: Light Traffic at Union Square and Broadway
Aerial view of Union Square on an overcast morning. The streets are sparsly dotted with pedestrians and street cars.
1868: Northern View of Union Square and Broadway
A photograph shows a famous intersection of downtown Manhattan, lined with trolleys and a vastly different urban landscape.
1868: Union Square and 4th Avenue During Rush Hour
A northeast view of Union Square and 4th Avenue crowded by trolleys and pedestrians during peak hours.
1868: Aerial View of Union Square and 4th Avenue
Instantaneous Panoramic View of Union Square, flanked on the right side by the famous electric trolley cars that once served as mass transit.
1871: St. Patrick's Day at Union Square
Print shows portion of a St. Patrick's Day parade at Union Square with a float in the center bearing a bust of Daniel O'Connell.
1873: View Over Union Square
Views of Union Square, including the park, equestrian statue of George Washington, and the rustic buildings which once inhabited the neighborhood.
1876: The Centennial 4th of July at Union Square
A drawing which shows a night of celebration in Union Square on July 4th, 1876, exactly 100 years since the nation's founding.
1876: Lincoln Monument at Union Square on Decoration Day
An elevated view of celebrations at Union Square Park on Decoration Day, or as we would currently know it, Memorial Day.
1893: Union Square, Looking Southwest
Aerial photograph above Union Square filled with people and horses and the Lincoln Statue in the foreground.
1894: The Decker Building, Union Square
Photograph of the Decker Building overlooking Union Square. The structure was completed in 1892 for the Decker Brothers piano company, and designed by John H. Edelmann.
1900: Easter Flower Market on Union Square
Photograph of a man selling flowers to customers, framed by large bouquets against the iconic backdrop of the surrounding buildings.
1900: Buying Easter Flowers in Union Square, New York
A woman buys flowers from a vendor in Union Square, surrounded by local children.
1900: Man on Derrick Load at the New Union Square Building
Construction worker perched 5 stories above the ground during the construction of a new building at Union Square.
1901: Rapid Transit Construction Work at Union Square
Rapid transit construction work at Union Square at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and 14th Street, New York City, June 8, 1901
1907: Union Square Fountain
A close-up view of the Union Square Fountain with the Metropolitan Building in the background.
1908: Meeting of the Unemployed at Union Square
Unemployed men and boys meet in Union Square, which as the name implies was a common meeting point for both celebrations and protests.
1908: Catching Goldfish in Union Square
Children trying to catch goldfish in the remaining puddles of Union Square's Fountain.
1910: Messengers at Union Square
Two young messenger boys converse in front of a carriage near Union Square. Most of the messengers worked for telegraph companies or pharmacies.
1913: Union Square from Above on May Day
Photograph shows overhead view of crowds tightly packed into Union Square for May Day.
1913: May Day at Union Square
Photograph of a crowded scene at Union Square for May Day - an ancient festival of spring celebrated by European cultures.
1924: Shoe Shiner in Union Square
Photograph of 11 year old Tony, who shines shoes in Union Square making anywhere from $2 to $4 per day.
