A Brief History Of Union Square New York City

In its nearly 180 years of existence, Union Square has represented various things to different New Yorkers, including luxury and revolution, to name a few. Today, the downtown destination remains one of New York City’s most unique attractions, with a backstory to match.

Originally named Union Place, the space at the intersection, or union, of Bloomingdale Road and Bowery Road (or Broadway and Fourth Avenue, as they’re now known) began not as a site of leisure but as a grave necessity. Those who know the space in its current incarnation, a lively urban hub, may be surprised to learn this intersection was once home to a potter’s field, or a graveyard housing unidentified bodies. It served this purpose until 1831 when the State Legislature authorized it as a public place. Eight years later, Union Square opened to the public, and an icon-in-the-making was born.

It wasn’t until decades later, during the 1870s, when the Square would become one of New York’s most prestigious parks. During this time, the original Broadway theatre district was known as The Rialto and was located just off of Union Square. This proximity, coupled with a quickly growing downtown center featuring hotels, shops, and cultural facilities, helped solidify the Square’s status as an en vogue area. Adding to its appeal were paths and abundantly planted grounds inspired by fashionable squares in London and designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, the masterminds behind New York’s Central Park and Prospect Park.

Considering Union Square today, one can certainly see that the space’s past has shaped its present. The current (but almost certainly not the last) incarnation of the Square features everything from playgrounds and a 160-year-old statue of George Washington to a trendy restaurant and a 41-year-old plant and food market. The only thing more diverse than Union Square’s offerings is its patrons, which include locals, tourists, and, in a throwback to its early days, the occasional poster-packing protester and well-to-do lady.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.