Harriet Tubman Square facts for kids
Harriet Tubman Square is a special open space in Downtown Newark, New Jersey. It used to be called Washington Park. This square is the most northern of three old parks in the city center. The other two are Lincoln Park and Military Park.
Harriet Tubman Square has a triangle shape. It is bordered by Broad Street, Washington Street, and Washington Place. Many important buildings and statues are found here. On Juneteenth in 2022, the city officially renamed the park to honor Harriet Tubman. She was a brave hero who helped many enslaved people find freedom.
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A Historic Area in Newark
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James Street Commons Historic District
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| NRHP reference No. | 78001758 |
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Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 9, 1978 |
This park was first known as the North Common or Upper Green. It is part of the James Street Commons Historic District. This means it is an important historical site. The park is surrounded by many famous buildings. It marks the northern end of Newark's main business area.
Many interesting buildings are near the square. The North Reformed Church was built a long time ago, between 1857 and 1859. It was built without using any iron or steel. The Ballantine House is another famous building. It was built in 1885 by John Ballantine, who made Ballantine beer. This house is now part of the Newark Museum. The main Newark Public Library building opened in 1903. You can also see beautiful residential brownstones along James Street.
Several office buildings are also in this area. These include the American Insurance Company Building and One Washington Park. Companies like IDT Corporation and Audible have offices here. Also, some parts of Rutgers-Newark University are located around the park.
Important Statues and Memorials
Harriet Tubman Square is home to several statues and special markers. They help us remember important people and events.
- Indian and the Puritan (1916): This statue was created by Gutzon Borglum. He also sculpted Mount Rushmore.
- George Washington (1912): This statue shows George Washington, a famous general and the first U.S. president. It shows him saying goodbye to his soldiers.
- A statue of Christopher Columbus was placed in the park in 1927. It was made in Rome. In June 2020, the city removed this statue. This was done to prevent it from being damaged during protests. The base of the statue was removed in 2022.
- A statue of Seth Boyden was made by Karl Gerhardt. Seth Boyden was a very important person in Newark in the 1800s. He was an inventor who created things like patent leather. He also improved train engines.
- Shadow of a Face (2023): This is a new memorial dedicated to Harriet Tubman. It was designed by Nina Cooke John. This memorial replaced the Columbus monument.
Fun Events at the Park
Since 2009, the park has hosted "Wednesdays at Washington Park." From June to October, people can visit a weekly green market. They can also enjoy outdoor concerts. It's a great way for the community to gather and have fun.
Getting Around the Park
It's easy to get to Harriet Tubman Square. The Newark Light Rail has a station right next to the park called Washington Park station. Another station, Riverfront Stadium station, is just a block away. The Newark Broad Street Station is also nearby. This station serves New Jersey Transit trains. Many buses also stop near the park. These buses can take you all around Newark, even to Newark Liberty International Airport.
See also
In Spanish: Plaza Harriet Tubman (Newark) para niños
