January 1682 – November 2020

Washington Square

Washington Square, formerly Southeast Square, was one of the five original public squares William Penn designated in his 1682 plan. Starting in 1706, it was used as a Potter’s Field . This served as a burial ground for poor Philadelphians, as well as Black and Native people who weren’t allowed to be buried elsewhere. It also served as a mass grave on several occasions, including thousands of bodies from each of the Revolutionary War and the Yellow Fever epidemics. The square was a gathering place for Black Philadelphians, in part, apparently, to prevent grave robbers from selling the bodies of their loved ones to the burgeoning medical establishment. Burials in Washington Square ceased in 1794, but dumping of refuse continued for a half a century. It was rejuvenated in 1842 and has been a park ever since.

210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Clara Iodice