List of United States National Historic Landmarks in United States commonwealths and territories, associated states, and foreign states facts for kids
National Historic Landmarks are special places in the United States and its territories. They are chosen because they are very important to American history. Think of them as the most important historical sites, buildings, or objects that tell a big story about our past. There are 23 of these landmarks in U.S. commonwealths, territories, and other associated states, plus one in a foreign country.
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Amazing Landmarks in U.S. Territories
These landmarks are found in places like American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They show us different parts of history, from ancient cultures to important battles.
American Samoa's Historic Spots
- Blunts Point Battery
This old military battery is in Pago Pago, American Samoa. It was built during World War II to protect the Samoan Islands after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's a rare example of a Pacific coastal defense that is still mostly intact.
- Government House
Also in Pago Pago, this house has been a symbol of U.S. relations in the South Pacific for a long time. It played a role during World War I and World War II. Today, it is where the governor of American Samoa lives. It's the oldest continuously used executive mansion in the Americas.
Midway Atoll: A Battleground of History
- World War II Facilities at Midway
This site on Midway Atoll is famous for the Battle of Midway. This battle was a huge turning point in World War II because it changed who had control of the seas.
Northern Mariana Islands: War Stories
- Landing Beaches; Aslito/Isley Field; & Marpi Point, Saipan Island
These places on Saipan were important during World War II. They were key sites for battles that helped change the course of the war in the Pacific.
- Tinian Landing Beaches, Ushi Point & North Fields, Tinian Island
On Tinian Island, these areas were also crucial during World War II. They were used for important military operations.
Puerto Rico's Rich History
- Antonio Lopez (shipwreck)
This is the shipwreck of the Antonio Lopez near Dorado. It was a Spanish ship and the first steel vessel built in Spain with a full electrical lighting system. It was also an important ship during the Spanish–American War. This shipwreck is the only known Spanish wreck from that war in U.S. waters.
- Caguana Ceremonial Ball Courts Site
Located in Utuado, this is an ancient Taíno archaeological site. It is one of the most important pre-Columbian sites in the entire West Indies, showing us how people lived long before Europeans arrived.
- Caparra Archaeological Site
In Guaynabo, this site holds the remains of the first Spanish capital of Puerto Rico. It was settled in 1508 and is the oldest known European settlement in what is now U.S. territory.
- Casa Dra. Concha Melendez Ramirez
This house in San Juan was the home of Dra. Concha Meléndez Ramírez. She was a famous writer and critic who helped shape Puerto Rico's cultural identity in the 20th century.
- La Fortaleza
Built between 1533 and 1540, La Fortaleza in San Juan was made to protect the city's harbor. Today, it is the home of the governor of Puerto Rico. It is the oldest executive mansion in the Americas that has been used continuously.
- Old San Juan Historic District
This part of San Juan is a very well-preserved Spanish colonial city. It is nearly 400 years old and is the oldest colonial settlement under U.S. control.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Caribbean Gems
- Columbus Landing Site (Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve)
This site on Saint Croix is believed to be where Christopher Columbus first landed in Puerto Rico in 1493. It is also a beautiful natural park.
- Fort Christian
Located on Saint Thomas, Fort Christian is a historic fort. It has played many roles throughout its history, protecting the island.
- Fort Frederik
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This fort on Saint Croix is another important historical defense structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- St. Thomas Synagogue
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This synagogue on Saint Thomas is a significant religious and historical site.
- Blackbeard's Castle (Skytsborg)
Also on Saint Thomas, this historic tower is known as Blackbeard's Castle. It offers great views and a peek into the island's past.
Wake Island: A Remote Outpost
- Wake Island
Wake Island is a small, remote island that played a significant role in World War II. It was the site of an early battle in the Pacific.
Important Landmarks in Associated States
The United States has special agreements with some sovereign nations, called "associated states." These countries are independent but have close ties with the U.S. There are five National Historic Landmarks in these states.
Marshall Islands: Wartime Memories
- Kwajalein Island Battlefield
This entire island of Kwajalein was a major battlefield during the 1944 Battle of Kwajalein in World War II.
- Roi-Namur
This island, also part of Kwajalein, was another key location in the 1944 Battle of Kwajalein.
Federated States of Micronesia: Ancient Wonders and Underwater History
- Nan Madol
Located on Pohnpei, Nan Madol is an amazing ancient city built on artificial islands. It's a very important archaeological site.
- Truk Lagoon Underwater Fleet, Truk Atoll
In Chuuk, this site is an underwater museum. It contains many shipwrecks from World War II, offering a unique look at history beneath the waves.
Palau: A Fierce Battlefield
- Peleliu Battlefield
The island of Peleliu was the site of one of the fiercest battles of World War II. The battlefield is a reminder of the intense fighting that took place there.
U.S. Landmark in a Foreign Country
The United States also has one National Historic Landmark in a foreign country.
- American Legation
This building in Tangier, Morocco, is special because it was the very first property on foreign soil ever owned by the U.S. government.
Other National Park Service Areas
Besides the National Historic Landmarks, there are other important historical and natural places managed by the National Park Service in these areas:
- Christiansted National Historic Site, in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, in the U.S. Virgin Islands (also listed above as a National Historic Landmark)
- San Juan National Historic Site, in Puerto Rico
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam
Other National Park Service areas in U.S. commonwealths and territories include:
- National Park of American Samoa, in American Samoa
- Buck Island Reef National Monument, in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands National Park, in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- American Memorial Park (an affiliated area), in the Northern Mariana Islands
A place that used to be a U.S. National Historical Site, St. Thomas National Historic Site, was later transferred to the Virgin Islands.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks by state
- National Register of Historic Places listings in American Samoa
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Palau
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Puerto Rico
- National Register of Historic Places listings in the Federated States of Micronesia
- National Register of Historic Places listings in the Marshall Islands
- National Register of Historic Places listings in the Northern Mariana Islands
- National Register of Historic Places listings in the United States Virgin Islands
