Union Square is the central shopping, hotel and theatre district in San Francisco, California. It also refers to the 2.6 acres park bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Street. The name "Union Square" stems from the fact that the area was once used for rallies and support for the Union Army during the Civil War. Today, this one-block park and nearby area is one of the largest collection of department stores, swank boutiques, tourist trinket shops and salons in the Western United States, which continues to make Union Square a major visitor draw and a vital, cosmopolitan place in downtown San Francisco. Grand hotels and small inns, as well as repertory, off-Broadway and single-act theaters also contribute to the area's dynamic, 24-hour character.