Foley Square

Foley Square, located in the heart of New York City’s Civic Center neighborhood, has a rich and varied history. Originally a freshwater swamp, the area later housed The Bridewell, a detention center notorious for its deplorable conditions, and was part of the infamous Five Points neighborhood. Today, the square is flanked by significant legal landmarks, including the New York Supreme Court and the Thurgood Marshall US Courthouse. Visitors can explore this historic quadrangle, which now serves as a hub for the city’s judicial system, offering a stark contrast to its tumultuous past.