We come here every week. Today, I’d like to tell your more about the history of Union Square.
On this ground George Washington rallied troops…Lincoln’s funeral procession made it’s NY stop .. both Presidents have statues in the park…so does Gandhi
When the planes hit on 9-11 this became a primary gathering point for mourners
Not all times were friendly for people to visit. In the early 1970s our park was widely considered to so unsafe it was too dangerous even during the day!
Do you know who saved Union Square? The Farmers Market…
Because in 1976, the Union Square Greenmarket began .. Residents flocked back to the side of the park and demanded a clean up behind the fence.
And who moves into new up and coming areas? Artists!
Andy Warhol’s factory moved here
Why is Union Square …a Square and why is it named Union?
Well, it’s not named for the Federal Union of the United States, nor to celebrate Labor Unions. (though America’s first Labor Day Parade started right here).
It’s named for the intersection or UNION of what were Manhattans busiest and most important streets!
Bloomingdale Road now Broadway and the former Bowery Road – now Fourth Avenue
In a city of logical North/South-East/West grids these major roads intersected at a weird angle…and the spaghetti mess is still there.
Leave to the real estate sphere of 1830 to figure out to put a square above the strangely angled major streets to attract high-end retailers, artists and residents.
By 1850 Union Square was the Entertainment Center of the City with the brightest and biggest theatres.
It worked so well that decades later when the subway was planned Union Sq became a critical and convenient commercial crossroads.
Isn’t part of Elevates Success based on our Union Square location?
Learning the history or background of a prospect before a meeting isn’t just trivia- it’s valuable information, which connects and can differentiate us against the competition. Try it!
The work we do together Elevates Union Square.
