Washington Square Park (Chicago)
| Washington Square Park | |
|---|---|
Washington Square Park, with the Newberry Library in the background | |
Interactive map of Washington Square Park | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | 901 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41°53′57″N 87°37′50″W / 41.89917°N 87.63056°W |
| Area | 3 acres (12,000 m2) |
| Designated | September 4, 1842 |
| Operated by | Chicago Park District |
Washington Square | |
| MPS | Chicago Park District MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000566 |
| Added to NRHP | May 20, 1991 |
Washington Square, also known as Washington Square Park, is a public park and registered historic landmark in Chicago, Illinois. Historically known by its nickname Bughouse Square referring to mental health facilities, it was the most celebrated open air free-speech center in the country. It is located across Walton Street from Newberry Library at 901 N. Clark Street in the Near North Side community area of Chicago. Washington Square Park is Chicago's oldest existing small park. It is one of four Chicago Park District parks named after persons surnamed Washington (the others being Washington Park, Harold Washington Park, and Dinah Washington Park). It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 1991.