Lorrin Thurston was a prominent figure in Hawaiian history, known for his role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. He was a key leader in the Committee of Safety, which sought to establish a provisional government in Hawaii. Thurston's actions contributed to the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898. Thurston was also a successful businessman and newspaper publisher, founding the Hawaiian Gazette. His legacy is complex, as he is both celebrated for his contributions to Hawaii's economic development and criticized for his involvement in the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty.