Washington Square (Charleston) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washington Square |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Operated by | City of Charleston |
Washington Square is a lovely park in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. You can find it right behind City Hall, at the corner of Meeting Street and Broad Street. This park is part of the historic area of Charleston. Its pretty red brick paths and garden beds were put in place in April 1881.
The park opened in 1818. It was first known as City Hall Park. On October 19, 1881, it was renamed Washington Square. This new name honored George Washington, a very important leader in American history. The new name was painted on the park gates in December 1881. Before it became a park, this spot was home to a place called Corbett's Thatched Tavern.
Contents
Statues and Memorials
Washington Square is home to several interesting statues and memorials. They help tell the story of Charleston and its past.
General Beauregard Monument
Along the east side of the park, you will find a monument to General Pierre Beauregard. He was a Confederate general. He was in charge of Charleston's defenses during the years 1862 to 1864. In 2004, the monument had some repair work done. This fixed a lean that had developed over time.
Henry Timrod Bust
In May 1901, a special event took place in the park. A bust, which is a sculpture of a person's head and shoulders, of Henry Timrod was revealed. Henry Timrod was a well-known poet from South Carolina.
Washington Light Infantry Memorial
Right in the middle of the park stands a memorial to the Washington Light Infantry. This memorial is made from Carolina gray granite. It looks like a smaller version of the famous Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. The memorial is about 42 feet tall. It has the names of important military battles carved into its sides. This memorial was first shown to the public on February 23, 1891.
William Pitt and George Washington Statues
A statue of William Pitt the Elder used to be in Washington Square. Pitt was a British statesman. This statue was moved to the park in 1881 from the Charleston Orphan House. It was placed on a new base made of granite.
The statue of William Pitt was damaged many times. Once, in November 1938, a falling tree branch even knocked off its head! Because of this damage, the statue was later moved to the County Courthouse.
After the Pitt statue was moved, a new statue of George Washington was put on its base. There was some discussion locally about what the new statue should be. Plans for the new artwork started in 1992. At first, a very large sculpture by Felix de Weldon was considered. However, Jon Michel was chosen to create the statue instead. This new statue cost $165,000. It was officially revealed on December 14, 1999.
