Hindmarsh Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hindmarsh Square |
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| Mukata | |
High-rise developments, SW corner of Grenfell St, 2012
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| Type | Square |
| Location | Adelaide, South Australia, Australia |
| Created | 1837 |
Hindmarsh Square/Mukata is a well-known public space in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. It is one of five main squares in the Adelaide city centre. You can find it in the north-eastern part of the city. The square surrounds where Grenfell and Pulteney Streets meet. It is also close to the eastern end of the Rundle Mall. Pirie Street forms the southern edge of the square.
This square was part of the original plan for Adelaide. Colonel William Light, who was the first Surveyor-General, designed it in 1837. He planned six squares for the city, including Hindmarsh Square. It was named after John Hindmarsh, who was the very first Governor of South Australia. This naming happened in the same year, 1837. In 2003, the square also received a second name, Mukata. This name comes from the Kaurna language, which is the language of the area's original Indigenous people. This was part of a project by the Adelaide City Council to use dual names.
How did Hindmarsh Square get its name?
The square was first officially named on May 23, 1837. It was named by a special committee that chose names for the city's streets and squares. They decided to name it after Governor John Hindmarsh. He was a very important person as the first Governor of South Australia.
What does "Mukata" mean?
In March 2003, the square was given its second name, "Mogata." This name came from the Kaurna language. The original Kaurna word was "Mukarta," which means "head." Later, the spelling was changed to "Mukata."
This name has a special meaning. Mukata was one of the four wives of a respected Kaurna elder and warrior named Mullawirraburka. He was also known as "King John." Mukata was also sometimes called "Pretty Mary." Giving the square a Kaurna name helps to recognise the history and culture of the Indigenous people of the area.
Modern Updates
In 2018, Hindmarsh Square became more modern. Two special charging stations were added for electric vehicles. These stations allow electric cars to recharge their batteries. This was part of a bigger plan to add 46 electric vehicle stations across the city centre. It helps people use cleaner energy for transport.
