Washington Square

Park · Society Hill

1

@atlasobscura

"Philadelphia’s Washington Square Park, a block south of the more famous Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, is mostly thought of as the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. Few visitors realize that only a few yards away is the replanted clone of a Moon Tree.   In 1971 Astronaut Stuart Roosa was on the Apollo 14 Moon mission, but before being an astronaut he had served as a firefighter for the Forest Service. The Forest Service asked him to help in a little experiment — to bring tree seeds into space to see if they would germinate once back on Earth. Roosa was happy to oblige and brought hundreds of tree seeds, comprised of five varieties, on a ride to the Moon. While in orbit, the capsule containing the seeds ruptured, but remarkably the seeds still popped when back in Forest Service hands. The seedlings were spread around the world, just in time to commemorate the 1976 Bicentennial. They were called “Moon Trees,” and were sent off to everywhere from the White House to Texas, from Brazil to the Emperor of Japan. It’s here in Washington Square Park that NASA and the US Forest Service planted the first of the Bicentennial Moon Trees. The little sycamore struggled to hold on but didn’t make it for very long. In 2011 it was dead but soon replaced with another seedling — this time a clone from clippings of the original Moon Tree. (The Forest Service, on hand for the replanting ceremony, reported plans to recycle the old sycamore into signs and plaques that will remain in Washington Square Park.) Space botany aside, the park itself has a long history, beginning in the early 18th century when it was everything from a cattle market and grazing site, to the city’s Potter’s Field (burial for paupers and the unknown), and cemetery for the city’s African-American population. Also buried here are victims of the Yellow Fever epidemic of the late 18th century. Now, right in the old soil where so many known and unknown had been buried 200 years before, is the first of many space-faring saplings starting their earthly journey. The Forest Service doesn’t have a complete list of Moon Trees, but they are trying to track them all down — at least the ones that have survived. You can find out more about them here, here and here. But that’s just a start; there are potentially hundreds of Moon Trees out there in this world. Update as of November 2019: The sapling was removed, however, the plaque still stands." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

12 Places to Get Close to Space Right Here on Earth
George 100 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

nps.gov

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Middle Child Clubhouse

American restaurant · Olde Kensington

Middle Child Clubhouse is a vibrant Fishtown hangout where you can enjoy giant pancakes, irresistible breakfast sandwiches, and inventive cocktails all day long, with a fun mix of retro decor and a pool table to keep the good times rolling.

52 Postcards

Laser Wolf

Middle Eastern restaurant · Olde Kensington

Laser Wolf is a stylish Israeli grill in Kensington that serves up smoky, charred meats with endless salatim and fluffiest pita, wrapped in a lively atmosphere.

25 Postcards

Le Virtù

Restaurant · East Passyunk Crossing

Le Virtù effortlessly captures the rustic flavors of Italy's Abruzzo region with its hand-made pastas, house-cured meats, and a delightful garden setting perfect for al fresco dining.

22 Postcards

Heng Seng Restaurant

Cambodian restaurant · Lower Moyamensing

This cozy, family-owned spot serves delightful Cambodian dishes like rich noodle soups and freshly made fried dough, perfect for a comforting meal.

4 Postcards

Bar Bombón

Latin American restaurant · Rittenhouse

Bar Bombón is a cozy vegan haven in Rittenhouse, serving up tasty Latin-inspired dishes like buffalo cauliflower tacos and refreshing margaritas in a fun, botanical atmosphere.

16 Postcards

Sampan

Pan-Asian restaurant · Washington Square West

Sampan is a buzzing Midtown Village gem where you can dive into creative Pan-Asian small plates and cocktails amidst a lively atmosphere and outdoor bar.

14 Postcards

Perla

Filipino restaurant · Passyunk Square

Perla is a snug BYOB spot on East Passyunk, serving up vibrant Filipino kamayan feasts on banana leaves for a communal, hands-on dining experience.

14 Postcards

Pinefish

Seafood restaurant · Washington Square West

This seafood specialist offers a raw bar, lobsters, steaks, happy-hour oysters & a full bar.

1 Postcard

Reading Terminal Market

Market · Center City East

Step into Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market, a bustling indoor paradise where diverse food vendors and lively energy create a vibrant culinary adventure.

30 Postcards

Rex at the Royal

Southern restaurant (US) · Schuylkill

Rex at the Royal effortlessly blends rustic charm with Southern flair, serving up innovative dishes like shrimp and grits in a stunning space that evokes New Orleans vibes.

35 Postcards