This 1842 map of Washington Square details the variety of trees then found in each section of the park. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
The southeast public square of Philadelphia was an area for animal grazing, public markets, trash dumps, and potter’s fields for more than a century, until the City of Philadelphia rejuvenated the park and renamed it Washington Square in 1825. This 1842 map shows the design of the walkways and details the specific trees that made up the new landscaping of Washington Square. The diversity of plants and trees helped Washington Square act as an arboretum to educate the public about horticulture. By the time this map was published, more than fifty varieties of trees were placed around the square. (For a larger image of this map, visit the Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
