Washington Square West is a neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia. The area spans roughly from 12th to Broad Street and from Market to South Street, enclosing Washington Square in its center. Originally called Southwest Square, Washington Square is one of the original five parks in the city, as designed by William Penn in the 17th century. In the earlier years following its creation, the square was used as a burial ground, a potter’s field, and as a pasture for live stock. Even in 1805, the Square was surrounded mostly by small, temporary huts. Beginning after 1815, numerous improvements were made to the Square, including the addition of a walkway and various tree plantings. The Square was renamed in 1825 in honor of George Washington and his soldiers. During the rest of the 19th century, Victorian townhouses and various businesses were built. In the 20th century, numerous high rise apartment buildings began to surround the square. In 1954, the famous Tomb of the Unknown solider was built to honor Revolutionary War soldiers. Today this neighborhood is a mix of residences, restaurants, bars, and shops, including “Antiques Row” on Pine Street between 11th and 12th Streets. The neighborhood also has an area dubbed "the Gayborhood," known for its friendliness towards the LGBT community.
RESOURCES
Washington Square West Civic Association
US History on Washington Square
Wikipedia on Washington Square West
PlanPhilly: Planning Philadelphia's Future