4. The First Washington Square Park Arch Was Originally Built Out of Wood and Plaster

The Washington Square Arch has been a staple of the park since 1889. The arch was first built out of wood and plaster to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington’s inauguration (two other temporary arches were located at Madison Square). After its success the prominent citizens of Washington Square, who had campaigned and fundraised for the original, then had Stanford White design a permanent arch out of marble, to be located half a block north of the temporary one.