Can you recognize Washington Square Park without its iconic arch? The park is actually so much more than the arch or its famed fountain. It is a great spot to listen to drums and experimental music, take in avant-garde performances, watch chess battles, gather for protests and so much more. I’ve been here countless times to watch outdoor movies, attend music festivals, and just, well, hang out. I love the creative energy and vibe of the park.

Though it is a tourist attraction and community gathering space now, the park is actually a cemetery of sorts. There are approximately 20,000 or so human corpses that were buried here in the 1700s. In 1797, the NYC government purchased a portion of an old farm for $4,500 to create a potter’s field, which was a burial ground for the indigent, poor, criminals, and victims of epidemic. Next time I stroll through the grounds, I’ll make sure to pay some respect to these souls.