Gramercy Park Tourist Guide - New York City

One of only two remaining private parks in the city of New York, Gramercy Park is a fenced, small park, which is located in the neighborhood of the same name, in Manhattan, New York. Although the whole neighborhood is sometimes referred to as Gramercy Park, the actual park is simply a small, fenced area, to which only the residents of certain properties in the neighborhood have access with the use of keys that have been provided to them.

Located between East 20th and East 21st Street, the Gramercy Park area enjoys a rich history. This is the oldest private park in the United States, and was once a part of Gramercy Farm. However, in 1831 the owner of the farm donated the property to the city, but added that this was on the condition that is was not commercialized. As such, Gramercy Park is a very simple and natural area, where you will find no man made additions such as swings or amusements.

What can be found in Gramercy Park is a statue of Edwin Booth, which is located in the center of the park. Booth was one of the most famous residents from the area, and was a popular nineteenth century actor and the brother of the man that assassinated President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth. This is not a park that you will see appearing in movies and television programs, because the non-commercial nature of the area means that it simply wouldn't be used for such purposes.

In 1966 the park became a historic district, which means that it has come a long way from its original days as a swamp. The park is open to the public on a day that is known as Gramercy Day, which usually takes place on the first Saturday in May, although this can vary.