Madison Square Park is located just 8 blocks south of the Empire State Building. Madison Square was formally opened as a public park in 1847.

Historical highlights include:
The arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty were once displayed in Madison Square Park to raise funds for construction of the statue and base. America’s first community Christmas tree was illuminated in Madison Square Park on Christmas Eve 1912. P.T. Barnum began hosting his circus in an abandoned railroad depot just north of Madison Square. Many believe that Madison Square Park is the birthplace of baseball, since Alexander Cartwright formed the first baseball club, the New York Knickerbockers. Today the park is an important part of neighborhood life. It is bordered by office buildings, retail establishments and restaurants.