New York Historical Society

At the New York Historical Society we were able to see various historic documents pertaining to Washington Square Park. The document that interested me the most was the small, page worn booklet that listed the names of the deceased buried in Washington Square Park. These people were all victims of yellow fever and were buried in the park because the corpses were thought to have still been contagious. The thought was that by burying the bodies in Washington Square instead of a cemetery, it would help contain the disease.
This small booklet got me thinking about death in relation to Washington Square Park and how historically death has played a big part in the park’s history. In “Washington Square Park Phase IA Archaeological Assessment,” Joan Geismar mentions that there were two small church cemeteries in what would now be the northeast corner of the park in 1817. She also discusses gallows in Potter’s Field as well as one hanging taken place. While the existence of permanent gallows in Potter’s Field is highly debated, there was one erected in Potter’s Field for the execution of Rose Butler. (The only documented execution in Potter’s Field).
I realized that these are just a few ways death played a role in the history of Washington Square Park and that there are many more. These ideas lead me to my final project idea where I plan to research death in relation to Washington Square Park. I think it’s fascinating that a place full of life is also full of death. While it’s a place of inspiration for many, it’s a final resting place for others.

By Catherine Gargan