Madison Square Park has a rich history in the city. Here are some interesting facts about the park:

  • The roots of baseball began in the vacant lot at 27th and Madison where players of what would be the New York Knickerboxers baseball team practiced.
  • From the 1850s to the 1870s the square was the center of an aristocratic neighborhood, including the luxurious, Fifth Avenue Hotel.
  • The torch of the Statue of Liberty was displayed in Madison Square Park from 1876 to 1882.
  • The original Madison Square Gardens was just North East of Madison Square Park until 1925, and housed Ringling and Barnum circuses.
  • The park was completely renovated in 2001 to take it from an unkept public space to one of the most beautiful, landscaped parks in New York City