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Shedd Aquarium

Washington Square Park (Bughouse Square)

901 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Parks

This small park is tucked across the street from the Newberry Library in the Near North Community. The park is 2.85 acres and it features a floral garden and fountain.

Washington Square Park is an active community park and a popular wedding ceremony location.

Of historic significance, in the 1910's many old mansions were converted into flophouses, the park earned the nickname, "Bughouse Square." Like Speakers' Corner in London's Hyde Park, Washington Square became a popular spot for soap box orators. Artists, writers, political radicals, and hobos pontificated, lectured, recited poetry, ranted and raved.

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