Grand Army Plaza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 
Grand Army Plaza viewed from the southeast, anchored by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch
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 Grand Army Plaza
Location in New York City
Grand Army Plaza
Location in New York
Grand Army Plaza
Location in the United States
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| Location | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States |
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| Area | 14.26 acres (5.77 ha) |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m) |
Grand Army Plaza, originally called Prospect Park Plaza, is a large public space in Brooklyn, New York City. It's located at the northern edge of Prospect Park and serves as its main entrance.
The plaza is designed with oval-shaped streets. Plaza Street forms the outer ring. Inside, a main road carries Flatbush Avenue. Several other streets connect to this inner ring, including Vanderbilt Avenue, Eastern Parkway, and Union Street.
Grand Army Plaza features several important landmarks. These include the impressive Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, the Bailey Fountain, and the John F. Kennedy Monument. You can also see statues of Civil War generals like Gouverneur K. Warren and Henry Warner Slocum. There are also busts of important Brooklyn citizens, Alexander Skene and Henry W. Maxwell. Two unique 12-sided gazebos with special columns and ceilings also stand here.
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History of Grand Army Plaza
The land where Grand Army Plaza now stands was once a battlefield. It was here that the Battle of Long Island took place. This was the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War after the United States Declaration of Independence was announced.
Designing the Plaza
In 1861, plans for Prospect Park included an oval plaza. In 1867, famous landscape designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux created the plaza's design. They wanted it to be a grand entrance to the park. Their goal was to separate the busy city from the peaceful nature of the park.
Their original design included the Fountain of the Golden Spray. They also added earth mounds covered with many plants. These mounds still help block noise from the busy traffic circle. They also shield nearby apartment buildings and the main Brooklyn Public Library branch.
In 1869, a statue of Abraham Lincoln was placed near the plaza fountain. It was later moved inside the park in 1895. The original fountain was replaced several times over the years. The current Bailey Fountain was built in 1932 and updated in 2006.
Adding Sculptures and Renaming
In 1895, three bronze sculpture groups were added to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch. The arch itself was built in 1892.
In 1926, the plaza got a new name. It was changed from Prospect Park Plaza to Grand Army Plaza. This was done to honor the 60th anniversary of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group made up of veterans who fought for the Union Army in the American Civil War.
In 1975, Grand Army Plaza was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site.
Modern Improvements
In 2008, a contest was held to find new designs for Grand Army Plaza. The goal was to make it a better part of Prospect Park. They also wanted to make it easier and safer for people to walk through.
Around the same time, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) made some changes. They added sidewalks and planters. These changes helped pedestrians and cyclists cross from the park to the library and the plaza more easily. These improvements were smaller than the ideas from the design contest. Most contest designs suggested changing how the large amount of traffic flowed.
Grand Army Plaza Today
The area around the Arch is Brooklyn's largest and busiest traffic circle. Many major streets meet here, including Flatbush Avenue, Vanderbilt Avenue, and Eastern Parkway.
Farmers' Market
A popular farmers' market is held at the plaza every Saturday. It's part of the Greenmarket program of GrowNYC. You can find fresh produce and other goods from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Transportation
The plaza is easy to reach by public transport. There are two New York City Subway stations nearby. The Grand Army Plaza station (2 and 3 train) is at the north end. The Seventh Avenue station (B and Q train) is a few blocks away. Several bus routes also stop near the plaza.
Arch Restoration
In 1999, a private effort began to raise money to fix the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch. In 2018, parts of the roof fell, so barriers were put up to keep people safe. A full restoration of the arch and its statues is planned for 2021. This project is supported by New York City and the Prospect Park Alliance.
Images for kids
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Grand Army Plaza on a summer night
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See also
In Spanish: Grand Army Plaza para niños
