Stearns Square facts for kids
Stearns Square is a special park in Springfield, Massachusetts. It's located right in the middle of the city's downtown area, called Metro Center. This square was designed by two famous artists: Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a sculptor, and Stanford White, a landscape architect. They created it to go along with Saint-Gaudens' famous statue, The Puritan.
Contents
The Story Behind Stearns Square
Why Was Stearns Square Built?
The artists Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Stanford White had a big idea for Stearns Square. They wanted it to help change the northern part of Metro Center in Springfield. Their goal was to turn it into a grand area. This area would have a modern train station, Union Station. It would also feature a famous theater and fancy hotels like the Hotel Kimball.
When Was Stearns Square Opened?
The park and The Puritan statue were officially opened on Thanksgiving in 1887. However, the area was known as Springfield's Club Quarter. This meant it was a lively place with many social clubs.
What Happened to the Original Design?
By December 1888, the original plan for the park had changed. The special design by the architect and sculptor was no longer there. By 1899, the statue of Deacon Chapin (also known as The Puritan) was moved. It went to Merrick Park, which is near the Quadrangle. The other items made for Stearns Square were put away in storage. Sadly, no trace of the artists' original design for the park remained.
