Seward Square facts for kids
Seward Square is a lovely park in Southeast Washington, D.C.. It is looked after by the National Park Service. You can find it where Pennsylvania Avenue and North Carolina Avenue meet. This area is part of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The square has 4th Street on its west side and 6th Street on its east side. The roads around the park are also called Seward Square. Because two main avenues cross right through the middle, the square is split into four smaller, unique parks.
Who Was Seward Square Named After?
This park is named after William Henry Seward. He was a very important person in American history. William Seward served as the United States Secretary of State. This job means he was the main diplomat for the country. He worked under two Presidents: Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
The Alaska Purchase
One of William Seward's most famous actions was helping the United States buy Alaska. This happened in 1867. Alaska was bought from the Russian Empire. At the time, many people thought this was a bad idea. They even made fun of it, calling it "Seward's Folly". But it turned out to be a very smart decision! Alaska is now a valuable part of the United States.
Statues in the Area
You won't find a statue of William Seward himself in the park. However, there is a statue of his adopted daughter, Olive Risley Seward. This statue is located near the park, at a private home. It is on the corner of 6th Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE. The artist John Cavanaugh created this statue in 1971.
