Union Station and its access roads interrupt this circle on one side, forming an arc.

In 1907, Union Station opened on the site of what was once a poor Irish neighborhood called Swampoodle.

[3] The centerpiece of the circle is the Columbus Fountain, flanked by three 110 ft (34 m) flagpoles, designed by Daniel Burnham and sculpted by Lorado Taft.

This is when the plaza started to be called Columbus Circle due to the monument present in its center.

[4] Columbus Circle being located in front of Union Station is very accessible with various means of transportation.

Today, cars can drive around the circle to continue on Massachusetts Avenue but parking or stopping is forbidden.