Proctor-Hopson Circle facts for kids
Proctor-Hopson Circle is a special park area in South Jamaica, Queens, a neighborhood in New York City. It's a semicircular space that was turned into a park in 1924. This happened after Merrick Boulevard was made wider and straighter. The old path of the road then became 169th Place.
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What is Proctor-Hopson Circle?
This unique park area is shaped like a half-circle. It was officially named in 1932. The name honors two local heroes, John Proctor and James Hopson. They were brave soldiers from Queens who sadly died during World War I.
Honoring Heroes of World War I
John Proctor and James Hopson were part of a famous military group. They served in the 369th Infantry of the National Guard. This unit was also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. They were among the first soldiers from Queens in their unit to lose their lives in the war.
The Harlem Hellfighters
The Harlem Hellfighters were an important African-American infantry regiment. They fought bravely during World War I. Their courage and skill earned them great respect. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars group, Post No. 1896, is named the Procter-Hopson Post in their memory.
A Special Dedication Ceremony
The park was officially dedicated on October 23, 1932. It was a big event for the community. A parade of veterans marched along Merrick Boulevard. They were met by local leaders and over 1,500 residents. It was a proud day for everyone.
An Important Historical Landmark
Proctor-Hopson Circle holds a special place in history. It is one of the very first parks in Queens to be named after an African-American person. This makes it an important landmark. It reminds us of the contributions of African Americans to the city's history and military service.
