Fatu Rock facts for kids
Fatu Rock
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 Fatu Rock
Location in American Samoa
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 14°17′54″S 170°40′35″W / 14.2982°S 170.6765°W |
| Area | 920 m2 (9,900 sq ft) |
| Length | 49 m (161 ft) |
| Width | 24 m (79 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 32 m (105 ft) |
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Fatu Rock is a famous natural landmark in American Samoa. It is a small island, also called an islet, located just off the coast. You can find it near the entrance of Pago Pago Harbor, close to the village of Fatumafuti. Fatu Rock and another nearby islet, Futi, are sometimes called Flowerpot Rock because of their shape.
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The Legend of Fatu and Futi
Many places have interesting stories, and Fatu Rock is no different! There's a local legend about how Fatu Rock and its neighbor, Futi, came to be.
A Journey from Savai'i
The story tells of a couple named Fatu and Futi. They were sailing from Savai'i, an island in Samoa. Their goal was to find Tutuila Island, which is part of American Samoa.
Transformed into Islets
During their journey, something unexpected happened. Their canoe sank in the ocean. According to the legend, the couple did not disappear. Instead, they were magically transformed into these two tree-covered islets that stand proudly in the water today.
What Fatu Rock Looks Like
Fatu Rock is quite unique in its appearance. It's a small but mighty piece of land.
Size and Shape
This islet measures about 49 meters (160 feet) long and 24 meters (79 feet) wide. That means its total area is around 920 square meters (9,900 square feet). To give you an idea, that's roughly the size of two basketball courts!
Steep Sides and Green Top
Fatu Rock has very steep sides that go almost straight up from the water. It reaches a height of 32 meters (105 feet). That's as tall as a 10-story building! The very top of the rock is covered with thick trees and plants, making it look like a green cap.
Fatu Rock in American Samoa Culture
Fatu Rock is more than just a landmark; it's also a symbol for American Samoa.
Featured on Car Plates
Since 2011, an image of Fatu Rock has been featured on the car plates in American Samoa. This shows how important and recognizable this natural wonder is to the people living there. It's a way to celebrate their unique landscape.
