La Romana’s central park is named in honor of Juan Pablo Duarte. He is the island’s most revered patriot. This outspoken political leader was determined to overthrow the oppressive rule of the Haitians. He formed a secret revolutionary group called La Trinitaria (The Trinity) in 1838. He also designed the country’s new flag. In 1844, the flag was raised for the first time as a proclamation of independence was read. Freedom was eventually confirmed at the end of the Dominican War of Independence in 1856. Juan Pablo Duarte is considered to be the founding father of the Dominican Republic.