Logan Circle

Logan Square, also known as Logan Circle, is a historic public park located in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally designated as Northwest Square in William Penn's 1682 city plan, it was one of the five original squares laid out in Philadelphia. The park was renamed in 1825 to honor James Logan, an 18th-century mayor of Philadelphia and secretary to William Penn.

Spanning approximately 7 acres, Logan Square is situated at the intersection of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 19th Street. The centerpiece of the park is the Swann Memorial Fountain, designed by Wilson Eyre and Alexander Stirling Calder in 1924. This grand fountain features bronze sculptures of Native American figures representing Philadelphia's major waterways: the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek.

Throughout its history, Logan Square has served various purposes. In its early days, it was used as a burial ground and even as a site for public executions until 1823. Over time, the square was transformed into a public park with walkways, plantings, and iron railings. Today, it stands as a vibrant urban green space, surrounded by notable cultural institutions such as the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The park underwent significant changes in the early 20th century as part of the City Beautiful movement. It was redesigned to include a traffic circle, mirroring elements of European city planning. This redesign integrated Logan Square into the broader vision for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, creating a grand boulevard connecting City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Logan Square continues to be a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a respite from the busy city streets and serving as a venue for various public events and celebrations throughout the year.