While it is called the Union Square, its name does not refer to the Federal union neither to labor unions. The term ?union? simply refer to where two main thoroughfares in New York City intersect ? Broadway and 4th Avenue (formerly Bowery Road). It is bordered by the Union Square East on the east, Union Square West on the west, 17th Avenue on the north and 14th Street on the south.

The Union Square was the site of many protests. One of the biggest happened in April 1861 just after the fall of Fort Sumter wherein approximately 250,000 gathered. It is also the site where the first Labor Day was celebrated. After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, it became a venue where people mourned those who lost their lives in the attack.

Aside from protests and political gatherings, it is also where the Union Square Greenmarket is held every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays which is part of New York City government?s effort to provide farmers with a venue to sell their produce. The said greenmarket attracts 250,000 per week. There is also a holiday market that runs from November 23 to December 24 providing people with an alternative destination to do their Christmas shopping.

An equestrian bust of George Washington can be found in the middle of Union Square, the first bronze equestrian sculpture in the country. There are other sculptures that can be found within Union Square?s environs including that of Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi.

Several neighbourhoods can also be found a stone?s throw away from Union Square including Chelsea, the Gramercy, the Flatiron District and the Greenwich Village. Union Square?s location at the heart of Manhattan makes it a famous hangout place for New Yorkers. It is also surrounded by several restaurants, bars and retail stores.