Court Square Park facts for kids

Court Square Park is a public park located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It used to be known as Jackson Park and later Justice Park.

The park covers about 0.4 acres. It is surrounded by Jefferson Street, Fourth Street N.E., High Street, and the Albemarle County Court Building. Paul Goodloe McIntire gave the land for the park to the city of Charlottesville in 1919.

A Park with a Past

Court Square Park has a rich history, especially concerning its name and the statues within it. Understanding its past helps us see how public spaces can change over time.

The Statue of Thomas Jonathan Jackson

A statue of Thomas Jonathan Jackson has been in the park since 1921. This statue was a significant part of the park's identity for many years.

Changes to the Park's Name

The park's name has changed several times over the years. These changes reflect ongoing discussions in the community about history and public spaces.

Why the Name Changed

In November 2016, a group called the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces looked at monuments and public spaces in Charlottesville. They suggested that the statue should be seen as a way to remember past challenges and to change the park's name. This was part of a larger conversation about how public spaces should represent everyone in the community.

A Timeline of Names

• Until June 2017, the park was known as Jackson Park.
• From June 2017 to July 2018, it was called Justice Park.
• Since July 2018, the park has been named Court Square Park.

These name changes show how communities can decide to update their public spaces to better reflect their values and history.