Washington Square Park: Rich in History

Washington Square Park in the Gold Coast may seem like a typical neighborhood park today, but in its heyday it was a lively venue filled with soapbox commentators.

During the early part of the 20th century, Washington Square Park, bordered by Clark, Dearborn, Delaware and Walton streets, teamed with commentators giving lively speeches about the events of the day. In fact, the commentary was so unique the park was given the nickname of Bughouse Square. A bughouse is an old term for an insane asylum and the park was given that name because, frankly, many of the soapbox commentators were a bit crazy.

By the 1970s, the neighborhood took a turn for the worse and the park fell into disrepair. The homeless and gang members replaced the soapbox commentators.

By the late 1990s, new luxury condominium buildings were built in the area and the park was cleaned up. Today, the park is a small oasis in the middle of high rises. The Newberry Library, across Walton Street, hosts the annual Bughouse Square Debates. On that day, one day a year, the soapbox commentators rule Washington Square Park.