Government House (American Samoa) facts for kids
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Government House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Government House in 2007
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| Location | Fagatogo, Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa |
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| Area | 1.4 acres (5,700 m2) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Part of | U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Historic District (ID90000854) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001443 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | December 14, 1990 |
Government House is a very old and important building in Pago Pago, American Samoa. It is also known as Building No.1, Naval Station, Tutuila. This historic building was built in 1903. It has been a main center for government on the island for a long time.
Government House is located in Fagatogo. It sits on Maugaoalii Mountain. From its spot on the mountaintop, it looks out over the beautiful Pago Pago Bay. This special house was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Later, in 1990, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
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What is Government House?
Government House is on Observatory Point. This point is located at a bend in the L-shaped Pago Pago Harbor. It sits between the villages of Utulei and Fagatogo.
Building Design and Features
The main part of the house is made of wood. It has a cross shape, which is called a cruciform structure. It stands on strong concrete supports. The building has two floors. It has a roof made of corrugated metal and its outer walls are covered with clapboard siding.
When it was first built, the house had porches all around both floors. Some parts of these porches have since been closed in. There is also a small, one-room addition on the east side of the building. Because the house is on a ridge, it can face very strong winds, like hurricanes. To keep it safe, the building is held down by ten-foot metal spikes buried in the ground.
Inside Government House
The inside of Government House has special features. These features show its unique location and importance. The ground floor has five main rooms for public use. These include a large dining room and a formal sitting area.
There is also a special Samoan room. This room is decorated with tapa cloth. Tapa cloth is a traditional fabric made from tree bark. This room also holds important Samoan artifacts. Another important part of the property is a ceremonial guest house. This is called a fala tele in Samoan. It is used for special guests and events.
History of Government House
The United States took control of what is now American Samoa in 1899. This happened because of an agreement called the Tripartite Convention. After this, the island was managed by the United States Navy.
Admiral Uriel Sebree ordered Government House to be built in 1903. From this house, naval governors managed the territory. These were leaders from the U.S. Navy. They were in charge until 1951.
Civilian Governors
In 1951, the management of American Samoa changed. It was given to the United States Department of the Interior. Since then, Government House has been the official home for the territory's civilian governors. These are leaders who are not part of the military. Many important visitors to the island have also been welcomed at Government House.
