Union Square (New York)

Union Square (New York). A park in Manhattan, New York City, between the East Village and Midtown East.

The history of Union Square is a fascinating one, as the Square has evolved in use and purpose over the 180-plus years since its founding.

While Union Square was developed in the 1840s as a park to attract well-to-do New York property owners and investors, (such as Emma Lazarus’ family), the central location of the park also quickly made it a popular choice for soapbox speakers, union organizers, and activists of all political persuasions.

Victoria Woodhull and Emma Goldman are just a sampling of the orators and activists who spoke to the crowds at Union Square, and many a march and rally used the Square as a location for meetings and demonstrations.

Women’s suffrage, organized labor, and new political movements all organized events and marches using Union Square as a backdrop, often drawing crowds of thousands of fellow New Yorkers.