National Heroes Park, Kingston
National Heroes Park, previously known as King George VI Memorial Park, is a sprawling botanical garden situated in Kingston. Spanning an impressive 50 acres, it stands as the largest open space within the city. This remarkable park houses numerous monuments and serves as the final resting place for many of Jamaica's National Heroes, Prime Ministers, and influential cultural figures.
Originally known as Kingston Race Course, the park was established in 1783 as a one-mile horse racing track. In 1905, it became Knutsford Park and was later transformed into a public park. It was renamed King George VI Memorial Park to honor the king. After Jamaica's independence in 1962, the park acquired its current name.
An outstanding feature within the park is the Jamaica War Memorial, a cenotaph dedicated to the brave Jamaicans who lost their lives during World War I and World War II. Originally erected in 1922 on Church Street in downtown Kingston, it was relocated to its present position in 1953. The memorial, adorned with a substantial cross weighing one and a half tons, holds significant prominence within the park.
A monument for Norman Manley was built on September 16, 1972. It has twelve pillars arranged in two circles, with taller inner pillars. The center holds Manley's tomb, topped with a six-pointed star. Each pair of pillars represents a different aspect of Manley's life, initially with plaques describing these aspects attached.
The Smile Jamaica Concert, featuring the legendary reggae superstars Bob Marley & The Wailers, took place at the National Heroes Park. The initial concert occurred on December 5, 1976, while the second edition was held on February 10, 2007.
Originally known as Kingston Race Course, the park was established in 1783 as a one-mile horse racing track. In 1905, it became Knutsford Park and was later transformed into a public park. It was renamed King George VI Memorial Park to honor the king. After Jamaica's independence in 1962, the park acquired its current name.
An outstanding feature within the park is the Jamaica War Memorial, a cenotaph dedicated to the brave Jamaicans who lost their lives during World War I and World War II. Originally erected in 1922 on Church Street in downtown Kingston, it was relocated to its present position in 1953. The memorial, adorned with a substantial cross weighing one and a half tons, holds significant prominence within the park.
A monument for Norman Manley was built on September 16, 1972. It has twelve pillars arranged in two circles, with taller inner pillars. The center holds Manley's tomb, topped with a six-pointed star. Each pair of pillars represents a different aspect of Manley's life, initially with plaques describing these aspects attached.
The Smile Jamaica Concert, featuring the legendary reggae superstars Bob Marley & The Wailers, took place at the National Heroes Park. The initial concert occurred on December 5, 1976, while the second edition was held on February 10, 2007.
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National Heroes Park on Map
Sight Name: National Heroes Park
Sight Location: Kingston, Jamaica (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kingston, Jamaica (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kingston, Jamaica
Create Your Own Walk in Kingston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kingston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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They say, "Kingston is the heartbeat of Jamaica, in which the rhythm of life, echoing through the streets, is felt in every step, every beat, and every smile."
Kingston's history dates back to the late 17th century when it was established as a refuge for survivors of an earthquake that destroyed the nearby town of Port Royal. The name "Kingston" was given to the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Kingston's history dates back to the late 17th century when it was established as a refuge for survivors of an earthquake that destroyed the nearby town of Port Royal. The name "Kingston" was given to the city... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles