Pershing Square (Los Angeles) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pershing Square |
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| La Plaza Abaja | |
Pershing Square, 2012
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| Location | Downtown Los Angeles, California |
| Area | 5-acre (20,000 m2) |
| Created | 1866 |
| Operated by | City of Los Angeles |
| Status | open |
Pershing Square is a cool public park right in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles, California. It's about one city block big, surrounded by 5th, 6th, Hill, and Olive Streets. This park has been around for a long time! It was first opened in 1866 by Mayor Cristóbal Aguilar and was called La Plaza Abaja. Over the years, it changed names many times before finally being named after General John J. Pershing in 1918.
History of Pershing Square
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Pershing Square has a long and interesting past. It started as a simple gathering spot and grew into the park we know today.
The 1800s: From Camp to Park
In the 1850s, the area where Pershing Square is now was a camp for settlers. These settlers were visiting the early city of Los Angeles, which was centered around the Los Angeles Plaza. The land was set aside as a single 5-acre plot.
In 1866, Mayor Cristobal Aguilar officially made it a public park. He named it La Plaza Abaja, which means "the lower plaza" in Spanish. A local businessman named George "Roundhouse" Lehman helped care for the park. He planted trees and shrubs, making it a nicer place to visit.
The park's name changed often in the 1800s. In 1867, it was called St. Vincent's Park because St. Vincent's College was nearby. Then, in 1870, it became Los Angeles Park. By 1886, it was known as 6th Street Park.
In the early 1890s, the park was renamed Central Park. During this time, a bandstand was added for concerts and speeches. The park became a beautiful, shady spot for people to relax and enjoy. It was even used for the annual crowning of the queen of 'La Fiesta de Los Angeles' in 1894.
The Early 1900s: New Look and New Name
In 1900, a special monument was put in the park. It honored the Californians who died in the Spanish–American War. This is thought to be the oldest piece of public art in Los Angeles!
The park got a big makeover in 1910. Architect John Parkinson designed a new look, including a beautiful three-tier fountain. Parkinson later designed famous buildings like Los Angeles City Hall.
A week after World War I ended in November 1918, the park got its current name: Pershing Square. This was to honor General John J. Pershing, a hero from the war.
In the 1920s and 1930s, more tropical plants were added. Statues and cannons were also brought in, including a bronze statue of a World War I soldier called a "doughboy" and a cannon from the famous ship USS Constitution. A statue of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven was added in 1932.
Later 1900s: Changes and Renovations
During World War II, Pershing Square was a busy place for rallies and recruitment events. After the war, the park became less popular as people moved to the suburbs.
In 1952, the entire park was dug up to build a three-level underground parking garage. A thin layer of soil was placed over the garage, creating a large lawn. In 1954, new fountains were added, designed by architect Stiles O. Clements.
By the 1980s, the park needed a lot of work. For the 1984 Summer Olympics, the city spent money to make it look better temporarily.
In 1992, the park closed for a huge $14.5-million redesign. Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta and U.S. landscape architect Laurie Olin created a new vision. The redesigned park opened in 1994. It featured a tall purple bell tower, new fountains, and a special walkway that looked like an earthquake fault line.
The 2000s: A Modern Gathering Place
In 2000, a monument was put in the park to honor local veteran Eugene A. Obregon.
Today, Pershing Square is a lively spot. It often hosts fun seasonal events, like a temporary ice skating rink in the winter and live concerts in the summer.
Public Art in Pershing Square
Pershing Square is home to several interesting pieces of public art. Some have been there for a long time, while others are temporary.
- Spanish American War Memorial (1900): Los Angeles' oldest public art sculpture.
- The Doughboy (1924): A bronze statue of a World War I soldier.
- Beethoven (1932): A statue honoring the famous composer.
- Neons for Pershing Square (1993): Art found in the transit station below the park.
- Liquid Shard (2016): A temporary art installation.
Getting There: Transit
You can easily get to Pershing Square using public transportation. The Pershing Square station is served by the Metro B and D lines.
See also
In Spanish: Pershing Square (Los Ángeles) para niños
