“Stanton Park” might sound like a simple green space. It is actually a place brimming with history. This park bears the name of Edwin M Stanton. He was President Lincoln’s Secretary of War during the Civil War.
Stanton Park sits at the meeting point of Maryland and Massachusetts Avenues. It is in the Capitol Hill area. The park is bordered by 4th and 6th Streets. C Street NE runs along its north and south sides.
The park’s story goes way back. Pierre L’Enfant included it in his original plan for Washington D.C. Imagine this city plan laid out centuries ago. Stanton Park was always meant to be a part of it.
But here’s a twist. While the park honors Edwin Stanton, the statue in the center isn’t of him. Instead, it is of Major General Nathanael Greene. He was a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Greene commanded the Army of the South. He is credited with pushing the British out of the Carolinas and Georgia in 1782.
Walk around Greene’s statue. You will notice the formal walkways and flower beds. These were added in 1933. It was a redesign of Stanton Park.
If you have kids, check out the playground on the west side of the park. It was added in 1964. Stanton Park offers something for everyone.
Stanton Park covers four acres. It is bounded by C Street between 4th and 6th Streets. The park’s redesign took place in 1933. A play area was added in 1964.
Locals often use “Stanton Park” to describe the whole neighborhood. The Stanton Park Neighborhood Association covers a wide area. It goes from 2nd Street, NE, to 10th Street, NE. It extends from East Capitol Street to H Street, NE.
The National Park Service maintains Stanton Park. It ensures this space remains beautiful. It is an important part of the community. Stanton Park is more than just a park. It’s a place where history and community come together. It stands as a tribute to both a war secretary and a revolutionary war hero. It also gives a space for neighborhood gatherings.