By Heather Bolen

The Washington Arch in New York City, located in Washington Square Park in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, is one of the city’s most iconic monuments. It commemorates George Washington, the first President of the United States, and is a symbol of national pride and architectural elegance.

Origins and Temporary Arch (1889)

The idea for the arch emerged in 1889, during the centennial celebration of George Washington's inauguration as President. William Rhinelander Stewart, a wealthy resident of one of the stately townhouses surrounding Washington Square, championed creating a temporary triumphal arch in the European tradition. Stewart successfully rallied his affluent neighbors to fund the project and enlisted Stanford White, a prominent architect from the firm McKim, Mead & White, to design it.

The temporary arch, constructed from wood and plaster, spanned Fifth Avenue just north of Washington Square. It was so well-received that plans were quickly set to replace it with a permanent version.

The original plaster and wooden arch spanned 5th Avenue, one block north of Washington Square, spanning Fifth Avenue at the park's edge. Image Source: Library of Congress

Permanent Marble Arch (1892)

The permanent Washington Arch, completed in 1892, was also designed by Stanford White, a prominent architect known for his work in the Beaux-Arts style. White, who also designed the Judson Memorial Church at the southern end of Washington Square Park, brought his signature elegance to both landmarks. The arch was modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome and constructed using Tuckahoe marble—a type of high-quality marble historically quarried in Tuckahoe, New York, a small village in Westchester County. Known for its brilliant white color and fine grain, it was highly prized in the 19th century for use in architecture and sculpture. Standing 77 feet tall, the final structure features intricate carvings and reliefs.

The permanent marble Washington Arch, completed in 1892, was constructed within Washington Square Park, slightly farther south from the original temporary location, where it became a central feature of the park. This positioning allowed the arch to serve as both a gateway and a focal point for the park's design. Image Source: Washington Square and [Memorial] Arch, New York, c. 1905, Detroit Publishing Company photograph collection, Library of Congress

*Washington Arch,* c. 1907-1915, B. J. O. Nordfeldt, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

Symbolism and Decorations

The arch’s design features intricate symbolism and artistry, including two prominent sculptures added in the early 20th century:

George Washington as Commander-in-Chief (1776): Created by Herman A. MacNeil and installed in 1916, this bas-relief shows Washington in military uniform, emphasizing his leadership during the American Revolution.
George Washington as President (1789): Designed by Alexander Stirling Calder and installed in 1918, this relief depicts Washington in civilian attire, highlighting his role as the nation's first President.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Washington Arch quickly became a focal point of Greenwich Village, an area celebrated for its vibrant artistic and intellectual communities. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for numerous protests, celebrations, and cultural events, embodying the dynamic spirit of New York City.

Two of the more famous events that took place at the Washington Arch include:

1. The 1917 Bohemian "Arch Conspirators" Protest

In January 1917, a group of artists and writers, including Marcel Duchamp, John Sloan, and Gertrude Drick, staged a playful yet symbolic protest by "seizing" the Washington Arch. Calling themselves the "Arch Conspirators," they climbed to the top of the arch and declared the establishment of the "Free and Independent Republic of Greenwich Village." The event was a satirical critique of social and political norms and celebrated the neighborhood's Bohemian spirit.

2. 1961 Folk Singers’ Protest

During the 1960s, Washington Square Park became a gathering place for folk musicians. In April 1961, the city attempted to ban musicians from performing in the park, citing noise concerns. This led to the Folk Singers' Protest, where hundreds of musicians and their supporters gathered at the Washington Arch to perform and assert their right to free expression. The peaceful protest was pivotal in affirming Washington Square Park as an artistic and cultural freedom hub. In the early 2000s, the arch underwent significant restoration to preserve its intricate details and structural integrity, ensuring its place as a cherished landmark for future generations.

Washington Square Park Protests, April 1961. Image Source: Story Maps

Modern Legacy

The Arch and Washington Square Park were all landmarked by the city when it created the Greenwich Village Historic District in 1969. In the early 2000s, the arch underwent significant restoration to preserve its intricate details and structural integrity, ensuring its place as a cherished landmark for future generations. Today, the Washington Arch remains a landmark of New York City, symbolizing the nation's revolutionary history and Washington’s enduring legacy. It stands on the north side of Washington Square Park, a hub of urban life, creativity, and community gatherings.