Washington Square Arch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Washington Square Arch

Washington Arch
The south face of the arch
Coordinates	40°43′52″N 73°59′53″W / 40.73099°N 73.99805°W / 40.73099; -73.99805
Location	Washington Square Park, Manhattan, New York City, United States
Designer	Architect: Stanford White Sculptors: Frederick MacMonnies (spandrel panels) Philip Martiny (keystone eagles} Hermon A. MacNeil (George Washington As Commander-in Chief Alexander Stirling Calder (George Washington As President)
Material	Tuckahoe marble
Width	57 ft (17 m)
Height	73.5 ft (22.4 m)
30 ft (9.1 m)

The Washington Square Arch is a beautiful marble arch located in Washington Square Park in New York City. It looks like the famous Roman arches built long ago to celebrate victories.

This arch was designed by architect Stanford White in 1892. It celebrates 100 years since George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789. The arch stands at the southern end of Fifth Avenue, a very famous street in New York.

About the Arch: Design and Art

The Washington Square Arch is made from white Tuckahoe marble. Its design was inspired by the grand triumphal arches that Roman emperors built to celebrate important events. The arch stands about 77 feet (23 meters) tall. The two main supports, called piers, are 30 feet (9.1 meters) apart. The arch opening itself is 47 feet (14 meters) high.

Symbols and Meanings on the Arch

The arch is covered with symbols that represent war and peace. On the top decorative band, called the frieze, you can see 13 large stars and 42 small stars. These are mixed with capital "W"s, standing for Washington. The curved spaces above the arch, known as spandrels, feature figures of Victory.

A famous quote is carved on the upper part of the arch:

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.

—Washington

This quote from George Washington means we should create a good example that smart and honest people can follow. It also suggests that the final outcome is up to a higher power.

Statues of George Washington

Two large statues of George Washington were added to the north side of the arch.

• On the eastern pier, you'll find George Washington as Commander-in-Chief (1914–1916) by Hermon A. MacNeil. This statue shows Washington as a military leader. He is joined by figures representing Fame (on his left) and Valor (on his right).
• On the western pier, there is George Washington as President (1917–1918) by Alexander Stirling Calder. This statue shows Washington as a leader of the country. He is accompanied by figures of Justice (on his right) and Wisdom (on his left). In this sculpture, a hand holds a book with the Latin phrase Exitus Acta Probat, which means "the end justifies the deed."

These two sculptures are often called Washington at War and Washington at Peace. Most of the detailed carvings on the arch were done by the Piccirilli Brothers.

History of the Washington Square Arch

The idea for a permanent arch began in 1889. A temporary arch made of plaster and wood was put up over Fifth Avenue, just north of Washington Square Park. This was done by a local businessman named William Rhinelander Stewart. He lived nearby and his friends helped raise money for the temporary arch.

The temporary arch was so popular that people wanted a permanent one. So, three years later, more money was collected. The permanent stone arch, designed by Stanford White, was then built.

Building and Discoveries

During the digging for the eastern support of the arch, something unexpected was found. About 10 feet (3 meters) underground, workers discovered human remains, a coffin, and a gravestone from 1803. This shows how old the area is.

The Washington Square Arch was officially opened in 1895. The two statues of Washington were added later, in 1918.

Restoration and Modern Times

By the late 1900s, the arch had been covered with spray-painted graffiti. It was carefully cleaned and fixed up in the 1980s.

Today, the Washington Square Arch is a well-known landmark. It has also become an unofficial symbol for New York University, which has many buildings around Washington Square Park.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Arco de Washington Square para niños