Circle of Palms Plaza facts for kids
Circle of Palms Plaza with the Fairmont San Jose and Fairmont Plaza
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| Area | 2.3-acre (9,000 m²) |
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| Location | San Jose, California |
The Circle of Palms Plaza is a special place in downtown San Jose, California. It has a circle of tall palm trees around a big California State Seal. This spot is important because it was where California's first state government met from 1849 to 1851. It's even marked as California Historical Marker 461.
History of the Plaza
When California joined the United States in 1850, San Jose was chosen as its very first state capital. San Jose was already an old town, started way back in 1777. An old adobe hotel, built around 1830, became the first building for the state government. Lawmakers met there in 1850 and 1851. Today, this historic spot is known as the Circle of Palms Plaza.
What the Plaza Looks Like
The Circle of Palms Plaza is easy to spot. It's a big circle of palm trees with the California State Seal in the middle. You can find it between the Fairmont San Jose Hotel, the KQED building, and the San Jose Museum of Art. If you look closely at the concrete around the state seal, you'll see quotes. These quotes are from the meeting in 1849 where San Jose was picked as the capital.
Fun Activities at the Plaza
Every winter, the Circle of Palms Plaza turns into a cool outdoor ice rink! It's called "San Jose Downtown Ice." Lots of people come to skate and have fun during the colder months.
Images for kids
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Circle of Palms Plaza
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The ice rink at the plaza in the Winter
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State seal at center of the Circle of Palms
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Night view of the Circle of Palms Plaza and the San Jose Museum of Art
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San Jose Museum of Art and Circle of Palms
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Circle of Palms Plaza and Fairmont at Night
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Circle of Palms and San Jose Museum of Art
