The park was established in the early 19th century in what was then known as the Village of Southwark, which was incorporated into the City of Philadelphia in 1854. During the Civil War the park was deeded to the Union Army for use as an encampment site and parade grounds. Following the war the park was deeded back to the City. The land was restored to a park during the 1870's using the Rittenhouse Square plans as a model. The park's current granite retaining walls and entrance pillars date to that restoration.