Thomas Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Thomas Square
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Bounded by King, Beretania, and Victoria Streets and Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii |
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| Area | 6.5 acres (2.6 ha) |
| Built | 1843 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000423 |
| Added to NRHP | April 25, 1972 |
Thomas Square is a special park in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is named after Admiral Richard Darton Thomas. This park became the oldest city park in Hawaii on March 8, 1850, when its size was officially made bigger. Thomas Square is also one of only four places in Hawaii where the Hawaiian flag can fly by itself, without the United States flag next to it.
Contents
How Thomas Square Got Its Name
The Paulet Affair
In February 1843, a British officer named Lord George Paulet took control of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This event is known as the Paulet Affair. He sailed into Honolulu Harbor on his ship, the HMS Carysfort.
Hawaii's Flag Returns
On July 26, 1843, Admiral Richard Darton Thomas arrived in Honolulu. He sailed on his ship, the HMS Dublin. Admiral Thomas was a higher-ranking officer than Paulet. His goal was to end the British takeover.
On July 31, Admiral Thomas officially gave the Hawaiian Islands back to King Kamehameha III. During a special ceremony, King Kamehameha III said, Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono. This famous Hawaiian phrase means "The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." It later became the official motto of Hawaii and is on the Seal of Hawaii.
During the ceremony, the British flag was taken down. Then, the Hawaiian flag was raised high. Many ships and the fort fired 21 gun salutes to celebrate. King Kamehameha III later named the place where this happened "Thomas Square." He did this to honor Admiral Thomas and made it a public park for everyone to enjoy.
The Park's Development
Early Improvements
After its boundaries were set in 1850, Thomas Square was mostly a dusty, empty field. Around 1873, a simple fence was put up. Farmers planted oats, and kiawe trees were added, but there was still not much shade.
Around this time, a businessman named Archibald Scott Cleghorn started taking care of Thomas Square. He also looked after Emma Square, which were the only two parks in Honolulu then.
Designing the Park
By 1883, Cleghorn approved a new design for the park. It included paths shaped like circles and semi-circles. Honolulu did not have much money at the time. So, Cleghorn brought banyan trees from his own estate, ʻĀinahau, to plant in the park. These trees would provide more shade. He also asked his friends for money to build a bandstand and add more plants and seating.
Within a few years, a bandstand was built. More shrubs and trees were planted, making the park much nicer. On April 7, 1887, the improved park had a grand opening. The Royal Hawaiian Band played music, and a large crowd came to celebrate.
Modern Updates
In 1925, the park became managed by the City and County of Honolulu. In the early 1930s, new plans were made to update the park. These plans included hedges, flower beds, and a coral wall. In 1932, a central memorial fountain was added. It was given by The Outdoor Circle group.
In 1938, The Daughters of Hawaii put up a plaque. This plaque remembers the historic flag-raising event.
During World War II in 1942, the U.S. Army built barracks at Thomas Square. These buildings housed soldiers. In 1966, the park received money for more updates. These included a new walkway and tree trimming to let in more light.
Thomas Square was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Oahu on April 25, 1972. It is also a state historic site.
Thomas Square Today
A Place for Gatherings
In 2011, the park's sidewalk became a site for protests. People gathered there to share their views. These protests continued until the area was cleared.
July 31 is a special day in Hawaii called Lā Ho'iho'i Ea. It means Restoration Day. This holiday celebrates the day Hawaii's independence was restored. The pathways in Thomas Square are shaped like the British flag. A fountain is in the middle of the park, surrounded by trees. The Honolulu Museum of Art is located across the street.
King Kamehameha III Statue
On July 31, 2018, a new statue was dedicated at Thomas Square. It is a 12-foot tall bronze sculpture of "Kamehameha III." A new flagpole flying the Hawaiian flag was also added. This ceremony honored the 175th anniversary of Hawaii's sovereignty being restored in 1843. The statue was created by artist Thomas Jay Warren.
Thomas Square remains one of only four places in Hawaii where the Hawaiian flag can fly alone. The other places are the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ʻAla, ʻIolani Palace, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.
