Washington Square (San Francisco) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Washington Square Park
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Location	North Beach district, San Francisco, California
Created	1847

Washington Square is a popular park located in the North Beach area of San Francisco, California. It was created in 1847, making it one of the city's oldest parks.

This lively park is surrounded by cozy cafes and tasty restaurants, like Mama's (restaurant) and Liguria Bakery. You'll also find the beautiful Sts. Peter and Paul Church right next to it. Washington Square is a favorite spot for people to meet up and enjoy events. Many festivals, free movie nights, and other special gatherings happen here all year long.

Discovering Washington Square Park's Past

How the Park Began

Washington Square Park, a central part of North Beach today, has changed a lot over time. Long ago, a woman named Juana Briones grew potatoes and raised cattle on this land.

In 1847, a planner named Jasper O’Farrell designed San Francisco's street layout. He set aside this block specifically to be a city square. For a while, the city didn't take good care of the park, and it was even used as an unofficial dump next to a cemetery.

Slowly, things got better. By the 1860s, people were using the park for big celebrations like the Fourth of July. Later, it became a popular place for Columbus Day and Italian festivals.

The Park's Changing Shape

The park was originally a perfect rectangle, stretching all the way to Powell Street. However, between 1873 and 1875, the city built Columbus Avenue. This new road, once called Montgomery, cut right through the Square.

The avenue was built to connect the Financial District more easily with North Beach. North Beach was somewhat cut off by hills, the Barbary Coast, and Chinatown, and businesses wanted better access.

The Benjamin Franklin Statue

At the park, you'll see a statue of Benjamin Franklin. The base of this statue is actually a special drinking fountain. It was given to the city in 1879 by Henry D. Cogswell, who believed in avoiding alcohol.

Marini Plaza's Story

The small park area on Powell Street is now called Marini Plaza. This name honors Frank Marini (1862-1952). He was a very generous person who helped the community a lot.

Frank Marini supported groups at the Saints Peter and Paul Church. He helped create a boys' club for young immigrant boys who needed help with English, education, and guidance. He also raised money to pay off the debt for building the church and its school. He even funded a gymnasium at St. Francis Church for basketball teams.

Washington Square also served as a safe place during big fires on Telegraph Hill, like those in 1894 and 1901. After the huge 1906 earthquake and fire, about 600 people lived in wooden barracks and Army tents in the park for a whole year.

Making the Park Beautiful

In the 1950s, local groups formed the Committee to Beautify Washington Square. They led the effort to redesign the park. They removed the paths that criss-crossed the grassy areas.

Landscape architects Francis McCarthy and Douglas Baylis designed the park's current look. They planted Lombardy poplar trees in the middle of a large grassy space. Paths lined with benches now circle this area. Although Lawrence Halprin is often given credit, his plans were too expensive.

In 1958, the city tried to build a parking garage under the park. This idea was stopped then, but it came up again several times. Finally, in 2000, the park was given special landmark status, which helped protect it from such projects.

Gallery

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  Saints Peter and Paul Church in Washington Square

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  An aerial view of Washington Square

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  The eastern side of Washington Square Park

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  The western side of Washington Square

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  The Volunteer Firemen Memorial by Haig Patigian