Hanover Square (Manhattan) facts for kids
.jpg)
Hanover Square is a special park in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City. It's shaped like a triangle. Streets like Pearl Street and Stone Street (which is now just for walking) are around it. Another street called Hanover Square continues north as William Street. Most buildings nearby are offices. The park is small, about 2,440 square feet (227 m2). The New York City Department of Parks takes care of it.
Contents
A Look Back: Hanover Square's Story
Hanover Square got its name a long time ago, around 1730. This was when Britain ruled the area. In 1714, it was named after the House of Hanover. This happened when King George I became the ruler.
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden
The Queen Elizabeth II Garden opened in June 2008. It used to be called the British Garden at Hanover Square. This garden is a memorial park. It honors people from Commonwealth countries (like Britain, Canada, and Australia) who died on September 11. On September 11, 2011, it was given its wider name. In July 2010, Queen Elizabeth II visited Hanover Square. She had just placed a wreath at the World Trade Center site. She also met with families of the British victims.
A Busy Trading Center
For many years, Hanover Square was a very important place for trading. It was the center of New York's commodity market. The New York Cotton Exchange was at 1 Hanover Square. The New York Cocoa Exchange was also nearby. It is now part of the New York Board of Trade.
The square was also known as "Printing House Square." This is because many printing businesses were there. A huge fire, called the Great Fire of New York, started here on December 16, 1835. It destroyed a large part of Lower Manhattan. Today, some old buildings like 3 Hanover Square and 10 Hanover Square have been changed. They are now homes instead of offices.
Getting Around: Transportation
An elevated railway called the IRT Third Avenue Line used to have a station above the square. It operated from 1878 until 1950. After that, it was taken down.
The Second Avenue Subway is a new subway line. Its fourth stage will bring subway service to Hanover Square. Today, you can reach Hanover Square from several New York City Subway stations:
- Wall Street (2 and 3 train)
- Broad Street (J and Z train)
- South Ferry/Whitehall Street (1, N, R, and W train)
- Wall Street (4 and 5 train)
See also
In Spanish: Hanover Square (Manhattan) para niños
