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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT
Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station
St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center
St. Louis, MO
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It" name="description"/> <meta content="Washington, Square, Park, St, Louis, MO" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Washington Square Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="38.626701"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-90.205803"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Washington Square Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>12th, 14th, Market, Clark Avenue</div> <div> <span>Saint Louis</span>, <span>MO</span> <span>63182</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/parks_div/descript.html" target="_blank">Washington Square Park</a> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Washington+Square+Park%2C+12th%2C+14th%2C+Market%2C+Clark+Avenue%2C+Saint+Louis%2C+MO+63182" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau "Mill Tract" under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. It contained about six acres, bought by the city from Thomas F. Smith on December 12, 1840. It was purchased with the understanding "that it be used as a public square forever." Smith was the husband of Emilie Chouteau, youngest daughter of Auguste Chouteau who had helped Laclede in the founding of St. Louis. Mayor John F. Darby took the lead in purchasing the ground, then outside the City Limits, for $25,000 payable in five per cent bonds over a 50 year period. City Ordinance No. 682 named the plot Washington Square and defined its boundaries as running from Market to Clark and Twelfth to Thirteenth Streets. The purchase was not popular with everyone and some even referred to the place as "Darby's Big Gulley". However, the ground was level enough that the early French settlers had a race track along its north side.During the second administration of Mayor William Carr Lane, the square was cleared, improved and dedicated in 1846. Extensive filling and grading was done in 1854 and five years later a board of improvements was established. As early as 1867, the square was considered as a site for the City Hall but the building was erected on the west side of 11th Street between Market and Chestnut where it was completed in 1873. Between 1855 and 1882, a total of $56,525 was spent for the embellishment of Washington Square. It was popular with children in the neighborhood as a playground during the 1880's. In 1889, it was again under consideration as a City Hall site and was so used under an Ordinance that was approved the following year. The present City Hall was begun in 1892 and was finally completed in 1904 due to delays in appropriations.The square was doubled in area in 1908 when the block to the west of it was purchased as a site for the Municipal Courts building which was completed in 1910. The City Jail and the Children's Building, razed in 1994, were built later in the square's southwestern corner. At present, it is used for parking. It is the location of statues honoring Pierre Laclede Liguest and General Ulysses S. Grant. </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/saint-louis-mo/report/place/washington-square-park-saint-louis-mo.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/saint-louis-mo/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brunch-bunch-soulard-farmers-market-st-louis-mo-11824-9hn5f4zsdsl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-BRUCH-BUNCH-TOURS-SOULARD-FARMERS-MARKET">AARP Bruch Bunch Tours Soulard Farmers Market!</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:45 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Various Locations around St. Louis. Event will start at Shrewbury Metro Link Station</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-walk-with-a-doc-st-louis-mo-11924-bqnrffldjsf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-COME-WALK-WITH-A-DOC-AND-AARP">Come Walk with a Doc and AARP!</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center</p> <p class="loc">St. Louis, MO</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mo-brain-matters-joy-for-the-holidays-11122024-zrn3d74y7ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-JOY-FOR-THE-HOLIDAYS-TIPS-FOR-DEMENTIAFRIENDLY-CELEBRATIONS">Joy for the Holidays: Tips for Dementia-Friendly Celebrations</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTLOUIS-MO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Missouri Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in St. Louis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:stlouis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stlouis@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/missouri/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Missouri</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href=" https://states.aarp.org/missouri/contact-aarp-missouri-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20171231-SAINTLOUIS-MO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmissouri" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmontana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Washington Square Park - St. Louis, MO"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History:Washington Square, the site of City Hall, was a part of the Chouteau &quot;Mill Tract&quot; under the original grant made to Pierre Chouteau. 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