Washington Square Park (Chicago) facts for kids

Washington Square, also called Washington Square Park, is a famous park in Chicago, Illinois. It's a special place known for its history and is often called Bughouse Square. It's officially a historic landmark, which means it's an important place from the past.

What is Washington Square?

Washington Square Park is located in the Near North Side neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the oldest small parks in Chicago. It's also one of four parks in the city named after people with the last name Washington.

A Place for Free Speech

This park became very famous as an outdoor place for people to speak freely. It was known as the best "free-speech center" in the entire country. People would gather here to share their ideas and opinions on many topics. This is why it earned its nickname, Bughouse Square. It was also a popular place for tourists to visit in Chicago.

A Historic Chicago Park

Washington Square Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 1991. This makes it an officially recognized historic site. It is a very important part of Chicago's history and its public spaces.

Images for kids

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  Washington Square Park Southeast entrance

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  The restored fountain at the center of the park.