NYC's Union Square Park is More Important Than You Think

Tom Delgado shows you around Union Square in Manhattan, New York City. It is a park on 14th street that many people pass through on a daily basis, but most know nothing about. Shot by Stewie Vill.
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***Correction: Robert Todd Lincoln, who was saved by Edwin Booth, was Abraham's son, not brother. I misspoke. My bad.

[@LuciePohl1]

We need a statue of Tom in Union Square!

[@cumshot07055]

George Floyd.

[@datelineyesterday5395]

I think you missed your calling, you should definitely be the cool history teacher/professor. Thank you for not just walking historical grounds but for providing the backstory.

[@hothotheat3000]

Nah, all the girls would be trying to bang him.

[@MrJimheeren]

One problem with being a teacher. The hours are long, the pay is shit and Tom wouldn’t have time to make awesome walking tours for us

[@landocalrisian2014]

Agreed!!!

[@TheMadisonHang]

The problem with that, is your paid by the federal government

[@vincentaurelius2390]

Great video. Last time I ate at that Union Square Cafe we were seated outside and my girlfriend noticed two reporters from one of the entertainment news shows at another table. Just then J.K. Simmons who was jogging by noticed them and stopped for a chat. Union Square is a really interesting, sometimes crazy, unpredictable place with street performers, vendors, hare krishnas, protesters, pan handlers, skateboarders, artists and chess hustlers all vying for your attention.

[@tomdnyc1]

I've actually seen him in Union Square as well. He did not stop to chat with me.

[@SANDEMANsFreeTours]

Thanks for another terrific video, Tom! You are a wealth of knowledge. Your time and energy are greatly appreciated.

[@conniedelio]

Tom! Loved this tour. The depth of your knowledge, humor, and communication skills are boundless. Add the squirrels and the cashews, the understanding of “irony” in a post-Alanis world, and Stewie’s superb work, and you are the very, very best! Thank you!

[@innervisionsOD1]

Man... like so much of NYC, Union Square has changed so much since I lived in the East Village (12th St between 1st and Ave A) back in the early 1980's when I attended NYU. To put this in perspective, I lost most of my text book money for one semester on the way to Barnes & Noble in a '3 card monte' game which were common in Union Square Park back then! Basically these card games were a no win situation for anyone willing to play, but even though I knew this, for some dumb reason I thought I could double my money in a quick minute. Boy, I was wrong!! That young lady with the cards in hand happily took my cash!! I learned more that morning on the streets of NYC then at my lectures at NYU!! Tom... thanks for your tours!! Even though I grew up in or close to NYC and was a bicycle messenger in the early 1980's in Manhattan, you have brought to light many interesting facts that I literally rode by or walked right by in my hustle to get to where I needed to be! Keep them coming brother!

[@jiiiiimbo]

I stayed right next to Union Square Park during my visit to New York last week, honestly I loved the community and how all of the locals gather here. It's a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. There's always something going on here which makes it a very lively place

[@tony4996]

As a native New Yorker of 26 years, I used to spend a lot of my time during my late teens, early 20’s at Union Square. Break dancing, artist, rap battles, meeting new people, cute girls, etc, it’s one of those parks that from the outside looks basic, but on the weekends on a hot summer day, it’s a party, trust me. Thank you for the education Tom, I will now see Union Square a bit different now 🙏🏼

[@patriciadcnp]

You should put the "Sick Plug" videos you list in the video description so we can easily access them!

[@MikeP2055]

Tap on the video, tap on the three dots in the upper-right, tap on the i in the circle next to . . . I forget what it says . . . "More from Tomdnyc" or something. Boom! They're all there. (EDIT: The video might have to be in full screen mode when you do this . . . ?)

[@patriciadcnp]

@@MikeP2055 thanks!!

[@MikeP2055]

@@patriciadcnp No problem! Happy to help. I hope my reply didn't sound condescending. I meant it jovially because I had just barely figured it out like 10 minutes before I saw your comment, haha. I almost posted the *exact same* comment as yours. I only figured it out with dumb luck and boredom. 😁

[@patriciadcnp]

@@MikeP2055 it did not! It sounded helpful, although a bit too many steps for my liking! 😂

[@ziggystarbust8429]

The KZbin analytics stopped recommended your videos so I naturally thought you had taken a sabbatical from content making… Well Tom- I got to say I missed you and your crew! The positive is that I got have tons of content to binge! Thank you and your crew for what you do! Keep up the great work!

[@AGentlemansJourney77]

I'm here early and I know I'm going to enjoy this tour.

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

I thought I would enjoy it too but unfortunately I didn’t 😞

[@paulmcdonough1093]

@@trailerparksupervisor7046 your so ungrateful

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

@@paulmcdonough1093 sorry. I normally love his tours but I didn’t enjoy this one 😞

[@nanwilder2853]

@@paulmcdonough1093: It’s not “your” so ungrateful, Paul... It’s YOU’RE (contraction of you are) so ungrateful, and, truthfully? I’d say you’re a bit judgmental, too!

[@brasshogg7587]

Love watching your tours. Not only are you extremely knowledgeable but hilarious as well, and give me a better appreciation of the city I love 🙏

[@jenns8696]

You’re awesome Tom!!! I’m learning so much about NY from you. I had my first visit to NY last weekend and my next visit will be in November

[@rubensamuel5256]

great title. same too you buddy, you're more important than you think. Thanks for another video and letting me know more of this beautiful city I hope I can visit one day. God bless you ❤️

[@marcos7801]

Thanks for the info. Just yesterday I was at Union Square taking pictures. I post them on a photo sharing app. Sometimes I like to give a description of the photos or share some historical content regarding the shot, so this video helps a lot with that. Thanks 👍

[@paulrobertson1589]

Breakfast in Scotland watching Tom D with Stewie a pleasure once again . # greatfactsbaby

[@rozwhite4297]

Your tours are hands down the best! Your knowledge is incredible.

[@KEMET1971]

Edwin Booth saved Abraham Lincoln's SON, Robert, from serious injury or even death.

[@elaineburnett5230]

Very strange..... ironic to say the very least.

[@Nothisispat2814]

I wanna catch him one day and chat i love his tours

[@Gl6619]

Just book a tour with him…his rates are pretty cheap compared to some other private tours

[@nataliaspinelli9747]

@@Gl6619 how do I book a tour with him!!!!!

[@evelynorourke4998]

Thank you Tom for another informative video. I wish I had a history teacher like you back in the day. You make it seem so effortless & most of all your twisted sense of humor makes learning FUN !!

[@DanielDiaz-py4cj]

Just learned about Tom’s channel and I’m hooked!

[@monica-NJ-123]

This was our meeting place whenever I came to the city to visit my daughter , I remember the Gandhi statue and the outdoor Christmas markets , many happy memories TY xoxo

[@MikeP2055]

"Ooo baby, that's dark. Look at these flowers!" Excellent segue.

[@lolstrass]

I'm from France and in love with the union square thank you for the video and your French is nice!😊

[@tova3573]

I love your videos, MORE, MORE, MORE. Thank you. I love your style.

[@paulmcdonough1093]

great vid Tom there is a statue of j w booths dad in st georges hall Liverpool uk to

[@englandbengal]

Makes me appreciate the fabulous parks in my modest Midwest City. We might be fly-over but that is just fine with me.

[@davidanderson7382]

One of my favorite spots in the city. Great video.

[@icsedge1]

4 days a week. The Union Square Market. Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday. I worked right by there for 7 years. I would always see famous restaurant owners going there to stock up.

[@curtflirt2]

Cool video, amazing how you knew Ocasio Cortez when she was working in the coffee shop

[@elaineburnett5230]

Yeah...that was such a New York story....very NYC!

[@LottenAlmgren]

Hi from Sweden! I've never visited New York nor USA... But thanks to you,Tom, I feel as if I've been there, walked the streets of NY! I really feel like going there! Maybe next year when this f-ing virus has been beaten. See you then!

[@annettecotto1088]

Tom! You should have way more describers. You are smart, funny, and teaching history. I appreciate you. Thanks a trillion!

[@annettecotto1088]

I meant subscribers. Lol.

[@anitakrezolek1000]

love all your videos! I'v learnt a lot!! Keep going!

[@paulabollers6396]

I appreciate all the history you shared. I don’t know about people spending time there. I went to college and worked a block away. Like you said it is more like a place to walk through - walk through the farmers market, walk through the Christmas market, walk through to get to 5th Ave shopping, etc. I think it is a good place to meet people if you are going to hangout DT. It is easy walk to East Village, SOHO, NOHO, etc. from there. A lot of marches begin or end there. I think Madison Park is better spot to actual sit. Lots of great food options around both.

[@elizabethdiaz5434]

Thank you for video showing! Union Square Park and walking.👍 tour great history!

[@monicachaney315]

Can you please bring back all the fun and obnoxious sounds that go with your videos when you acknowledge a person? I miss that!! Love love love your videos!!

[@tomdnyc1]

Ha, it's a delicate balance!

[@NowImGonnaStarve]

Love this stuff Tommy Baby! Heard about you from Mark Normand on We Might Be Drunk

[@tomdnyc1]

Thanks so much. I've known Mark for years - he's the best!

[@sct4040]

I used to eat my lunch there in 1988, since I worked close by. Gosh, I was young. Whole Foods used to be Mays Department store, and later Virgin Records was at the corner. My hubby goes to the Park every May day, except for the pandemic 2020.

[@ceciliawilson6328]

As always , entertaing and informative. Enjoyed it.

[@koegarcia5178]

This must be so much more fun than being stuck inside being a lawyer

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

Hey Tom. I work locally as a shooter/editor for a a local network here in nyc. I'd love to help out if Stewie is busy and you need some free help. I dig your informative videos!

[@suztjembijawatson3362]

When this time we live in restricts my wanderings and interactions with people and I feel down... I join you for a walk. Thank you for helping me stay sane and LEARN wonderful things about your 'town'. Loving it. I hope your day is marvelous. ☺

[@carmelinapejic2016]

Geez I miss visiting NY...I love watching your videos...👍

[@johngiltzow4764]

How does Tom remember all this stuff. He’s great!!!

[@phyllisa09barnes]

Love your tours! I just moved to Tampa so would love some more Tampa tours! ☺️

[@jazrealpretty9383]

Love your videos Tom! Can’t stop watching I’ve learned so much about NYC 🗽 anyone who doesn’t like history sucks 😬.

[@hungrysoles]

I enjoyed your video ,I never got to know Union Square from being a subway transit point. You remind me a bit of a friend I had who was a Native New Yorker from Brooklyn I used to come up and stay with who showed some parts of the Big Applw moat tourists don't get to see. Others I discovered on my own. You have a good knowledge of trivia which also added to it, I know one side was the location of the S, Klein Department Store which had a lot of bargains. They were great visits until he retired and moved to Ft. Lauderdale. I came back once on my own for business and it was bit bit different, I'll have to catch some of your other videos. You look very Italian.

[@palmerkane9829]

Analytics is the systematic computational analysis of data or statistics. It is used for discovery ,interpretation,and communication of meaningful patterns in data.

[@elaineburnett5230]

Another nice and smart tour...thanks.

[@thatone1280]

I lived in union square back near 2019 it was just incredible ❤️

[@hothotheat3000]

How the hell do you remember all of this?! You’re brilliant.

[@philpaule472]

Another great video Tom !!!!

[@lunabouch]

Awesome as always. The history, personal insights, and humor is always welcomed 👊🏻

[@landocalrisian2014]

As per usual, great job Tom!

[@Cmickey46]

Tom Tom he’s our man if he can’t do it nobody can 👏🏾

[@toddsie72]

You've out-done yourself in this one, bayybeee !

[@christianvalentin2558]

Huge fan Tom! Followed you from the start. Just a thought that the 'Contrast' in the post editing is slighty too high maybe.

[@MrRezRising]

Yesterday you were talking about Charles Evan Hughes, and I went to CEH HS for the Humanities... ...which was changed to Bayard Ruskin, which youre talking about today. Fyi, if you want to see some great shots of Union Sqr in the 70s, watch The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, from 1974.

[@maryannelarsen1186]

Fabulous job 🙂

[@steini6771]

Great one, again -

[@stevetaylormynewyorkcity9728]

Those chess players are mad good, far too good for me! Lol Another great video Tom, full of excellent information as usual. I love it in Union Square. I was making a video there once and a guy approached me to ask if I minded being in the background of a video he was making for his Vimeo channel. I said it was absolutely fine, I looked forward to watching it, then I totally forgot his channel name so I've still never seen it! Ha ha Keep up the good work my man!

[@JPerez13]

A.O.C story was really cool!

[@MrKingrahjordan]

Bayard Rustin!! Dude, you ain't playin. There's black folks that don't know this brothers history. Gone with yo bad self. You are not playing around.

[@davidpalughi2292]

Dont call it howston st , or you will get assaulted😂

[@davidpalughi2292]

Houston

[@raineyj560]

True but our history is so vast, it takes a long time to know our ancestors. I am 56 but I definitely know Bayard Rustin and still learning about our ppl.

[@robyndavis3043]

Also, Union Square is the beginning of the “Labor Day Parade.”

[@larrygrasso6032]

Tom you're still the best !

[@tomburke1687]

Great History Lesson Tom !!!!!!!

[@DesimaVEBO]

Tom, I really like your videos, but your jokes, they're on another level.

[@nanwilder2853]

That level is usually the basement... where they also found the “sick plug” sound effect. (Whaaat?)

[@cigarman28]

I really enjoy your videos .. hopeful to see one on Bronx neighborhood of Parkchester

[@grasmereguy5116]

I miss the Barnes & Noble at 18th Street and 5th Avenue, that was there before the one on Union Square North. But the Union Square B&N was the first one I remember that was a superstore with the cafe where they encouraged people to hang out and browse; first it seemed unique then they became ubiquitous, now they are under threat what with Amazon and all the e-reader people.

[@alvinedwardsiii5012]

Hey Tom! Could you make a video of all of the acting places or comedy venues that went to school in New York?

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

"As New York as it gets"....😊

[@budiirawan1986]

You are an excellent historian.

[@Fabian080690]

The way he said "Union Square" at the begging was Normandesque' to say the least.

[@memphoscorpio]

I would vote for Senator Tom Delgado. Or Mayor Tom Delgado.

[@chrispeterson1247]

LOL dont you think they have enough woke libs ?

[@BlessSteph897]

A live stream would be awesome 👏

[@mikedrown2721]

You da man Tom! Thumbs up 👍

[@Gl6619]

14:52 why did I think that guy in the background was pissing in the plant while his dog was watching 🤣🤣🤣🤣 (After we saw that guy talking a dump while on his phone on our tour, nothing would surprise me)

[@nanwilder2853]

What you saw on you tour, when combined with hoards of Disease Vectors known as RATS, could become a City-wide Public Health Crisis!

[@done1675]

You're done until the Pop Culture video series - There's Max's Kansas City and Andy Warhol's Factory/Decker Building stuff right there. But I know you know that.

[@robpeganyee4848]

Interesting that you and AOC formed a friendship.

[@jorgegomessilva7915]

In Union Square also of interest is The Decker Building (33 Union Square West) where one instance of Andy Warhol Factory was located and where he was shot and almost killed by Valerie Solanas. Then after 1973 Andy Warhol also had a studio in 860 Broadway (north end of Union Square). Another important cultural landmark nearby was Max's Kansas City, where important NY artists of the day used to hangout and where bands like the Velvet Underground played.

[@zenildamartinez9254]

Saludos Tom! 👍👍

[@vondelpark8141]

Geweldig en prachtig weer!

[@richhong1176]

Union square my second home!! 😎

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

01:01 Where are the *chess boards* - damn it? Where the Botez sisters play? *pronto* please! 19:22 Here we are.

[@richt.4900]

🍻Cheers Tom/Stewie 👍🏻. I’m in the process of getting a crowd together to visit and a tour in 22 (COVID keeps stopping us). By the way Gandhi actually visited the town that I grew up in from this side of the pond here in little ole England (now known as Brexitland 🇪🇺🤭) back in the day. It’s a small world, keep grinding Tom 🤗😉😉

[@sherrysmith7943]

Love you!!

[@flamingvans1135]

Let's tell the whole story about the British, Tom. Washington did not victoriously come in and boot them out on November 25. He came in after they had left, and they left on their own timetable (Governor's Island and Staten Island were under their control until early December 1783), and by then, they evacuated 29,000 loyalists and 3,000 Black loyalists who were escaped slaves. As an additional stick in the eye, they had covered the one remaining pole on the Battery that was flying a British flag -- with grease. We never learned any of that in American history, for obvious reasons. 😉

[@erickjerland1281]

Tom I was watching your video at Oak st beach Chicago. I was in NYC last week.

[@seanohalloran384]

They should have made Penn like Union Square. Great video.

[@richardtalavera1630]

cannot get anything like that Manhattan rock'n'roll ,,, yeahyus

[@runnermand]

“I myself don’t really drink a whole lot, coz I’m a.. real standup guy” -> anyone else notice the pun here?!? He does standup comedy

[@giab1188]

Which video did you highlight the chess players( in Washington Square?). An avid chess player. Love your videos!

[@cb7841]

Damn I miss Union square this was the spot

[@adamandtinafelibrico4572]

I like how it went from robbing you to assaulting you because I believe that's more accurate.

[@deberleoffice]

Did anyone correct you about the clock yet? It's just a clock. It shows the time passed counting up and the time left counting down.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Tom: Cuz then they're going to know you're a tourist....and they're going to ASSAULT you! Love it Tom...keep em coming man! LOL And then when you got the wars mixed up....Got Damn! LOL

[@TheChuckoluck]

Saw the video you did with actionkid. How many times did you correct him in that short video? I watch his videos but he drives me nuts has me yelling at the screen to correct him. Like last week it was raining and he said he couldn't believe how humid it was when it was raining. I was yelling at the screen that if it's raining it means the humidity is at 100%. It means the air is so saturated with water it has to fall to the ground. He makes mistakes all the time, especially pronunciation mistakes on the signs he reads. Drives you crazy.

[@palmerkane9829]

grate show love to whach

[@carlosfabianripari8894]

The time is always now. Seize the day!

[@nataliaspinelli9747]

Show more queens please (also videos on Florida)