Kimlau Square

Kimlau Square. A public square and war memorial located at the intersection of Chatham Square, Oliver Street, and East Broadway in the heart of Chinatown, Manhattan. Dedicated in 1962, it serves as a prominent civic space honoring American soldiers of Chinese ancestry who served in World War II. The square is named for Second Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, a United States Army Air Forces pilot and Chinese American war hero who was killed in action during a bombing mission over the South Pacific in 1944.

History

The creation of Kimlau Square was spearheaded by the American Legion Kimlau Post 1291, one of the oldest Chinese American veterans' organizations in the United States. The post, itself named for Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, advocated for a permanent memorial to honor the sacrifices of Chinese Americans in the United States Armed Forces. The square was formally dedicated on Memorial Day in 1962, with the unveiling of a central memorial arch designed by architect Poy Gum Lee, a notable figure in the Chinese diaspora who contributed to several buildings in New York City's Chinatown. The location at Chatham Square is historically significant, as it has long been a central gathering point within the Lower East Side and a gateway to the expanding Chinatown community throughout the 20th century.

Description and features

The square is dominated by the granite Kimlau Memorial Arch, a ceremonial gateway inscribed with calligraphy and dedications. The arch features a prominent plaque listing members of Kimlau Post 1291 who died in service during World War II and the Korean War. Flanking the arch are two large stone lions, traditional Chinese guardian figures. The square itself is a paved pedestrian plaza that provides an open area amidst the dense urban fabric of Chinatown, Manhattan, often used for community gatherings. Adjacent landmarks include the First Shearith Israel Cemetery, a historic Sephardic Jewish burial ground, and the Edward Mooney House, one of the oldest townhouses in New York City.

Significance and naming

The square's primary significance is as a memorial to the patriotism and sacrifice of Chinese Americans in the United States military, particularly during World War II. Its naming for Benjamin Ralph Kimlau symbolizes the contributions of a community that faced significant discrimination under laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Kimlau, a graduate of the Phillips Academy and Yale University, represented the pursuit of the American Dream and the ultimate price paid for it. The site is a focal point for annual commemorations led by veterans' groups such as the American Legion and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, reinforcing its role in the cultural and civic identity of Chinatown, Manhattan.

Location and transportation

Kimlau Square is situated at the confluence of several major streets in Lower Manhattan, effectively forming the northern edge of the historic Chatham Square intersection. It is bounded by Park Row to the west, Oliver Street to the north, and East Broadway to the south. The square is directly served by the New York City Subway via the nearby East Broadway station on the F train. It is also within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge entrance, the Manhattan Municipal Building, and the Civic Center, Manhattan.

Events and cultural role

The square regularly hosts public ceremonies, most notably the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances organized by Kimlau Post 1291 and community leaders. It is a traditional gathering point for the Chinese New Year parade in Manhattan and other cultural festivals celebrating the Chinese diaspora. Political rallies and civic demonstrations concerning issues affecting Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have also been held at the location. Its open design and symbolic arch make it a natural stage for community expression within one of the most iconic ethnic enclaves in New York City.

Category:Squares in Manhattan Category:Monuments and memorials in New York City Category:Chinese-American history in New York City Category:Chinatown, Manhattan Category:American Legion