Day 184: Washington Place, O’ahu, Hawai’i
📌APIA Every Day (184) - Washington Place, an elegant Greek-Revival house in Honolulu, Hawaii, was constructed starting in 1841 by Captain John Dominis, an American trader, and designed by Isaac Hart. Completed in 1847, it became a prominent landmark on the outskirts of Honolulu, the new capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom under King Kamehameha III. Unfortunately, Captain Dominis was lost at sea before he could reside in the house. His widow, Mary Dominis, rented out rooms to maintain the residence, including to U.S. Commissioner Anthony Ten Eyck. Inspired by its grandeur, Ten Eyck named it "Washington Place" in 1848, with King Kamehameha III's decree to retain the name indefinitely.
Architecturally, Washington Place combines Greek revival and indigenous tropical styles, reflecting early to mid-nineteenth century trends in the United States, particularly New England. The house features coral stone walls, a wood frame, two-tiered verandas, and Tuscan columns, all symmetrically arranged in a Georgian floor plan. Over the years, Washington Place has expanded significantly, now covering 17,062.50 square feet with an additional 7,000 square foot structure on its 3.1-acre grounds. These expansions have enabled the house to adapt to its residents and reflect Hawaii's evolving history.
Washington Place is most renowned as the residence of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, who moved into the home in 1862 upon marrying John Owen Dominis, the son of John and Mary Dominis. She lived there for 55 years until her death in 1917. From 1918 to 2002, the house served as the residence for Hawaii's territorial and state governors. Today, it remains a historic home and the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii. Recognized for its historical significance, Washington Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007.
LEARN MORE:
Washington Place Hawai’i: History
Washington Place Foundation: History
Historic Hawai’i Foundation: NRHP & NHL Forms
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