Military Park

Historic Military Park, serves as the central downtown gathering space for the Newark community and its visitors to enjoy together. Military Park was the original Middle Commons when Newark was founded in 1666.The triangular, six-acre park is bound by Broad St, Park Place, and Rector Street.

The park was laid out by Robert Treat as a training ground and visible on maps dating back to 1667. It served as a training ground during the French and Indian War and a campground for George Washington’s troops during the American Revolution. Following the Revolutionary War, the Commons was converted into a public park, as it was no longer needed as a training ground, though it briefly revived its military purpose during the War of 1812. Civil War soldiers were recruited in the park, and during World War I the park served as both a recruiting station and as the location of Red Cross and Liberty Loans campaigns.

After many years as an underutilized space, Military Park now attracts children, adults, local residents, office workers, and students to Newark’s revitalized town square. The park is surrounded by cultural institutions such as New Jersey Performing Arts Center, WBGO Jazz station, historic Trinity and St. Philip’s Cathedral, New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Visitors Center and many retail shops and restaurants in the Halsey Street district.

 

Inside of the Park, you can enjoy a meal at The Yard, take a ride on the carousel, or enjoy the monuments and public art offerings throughout.