War in the Pacific National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids War in the Pacific National Historical Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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The Park's Asan Beach Unit,
as viewed from the Asan Inland Unit |
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 War in the Pacific National Historical Park
Location in Guam
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| Location | Guam |
| Nearest city | Asan, Guam |
| Area | 2,037 acres (8.24 km2) |
| Established | August 18, 1978 |
| Visitors | 482,391 (in 2011) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | War in the Pacific National Historical Park |
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War in the Pacific National Historical Park
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| Location | Marine Dr., Agana, Guam |
| Area | 1,957.9 acres (792.3 ha) |
| Built | 1944 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003198 |
| Added to NRHP | August 18, 1978 |
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park is a special place in Guam, a territory of the United States. It was created in 1978 to remember everyone who bravely fought in the Pacific part of World War II. This park is unique because it honors the courage and sacrifices of all people who were part of the war in the Pacific, not just one side.
During World War II, Guam was captured by Japan in 1941. It was occupied for four years before American forces liberated it in 1944. The park protects many important historical sites. These include old battlefields, places where guns were set up, trenches, caves, and other historic buildings.
In 2019, the park was even featured on a Washington Quarter. This was part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Series, which highlights famous places in the U.S.
Contents
Exploring the Park's Historic Sites
The T. Stell Newman Visitor Center is located in Santa Rita, Guam. It's a great place to start your visit. Right outside the center, you can see a Ha. 62-76 Japanese Midget Attack Submarine. This submarine is a listed historical item. The main office for the park is in Hagåtña. The other parts of the park are mostly areas where important battles happened during the American invasions in 1944. These areas are found on both sides of the Orote Peninsula.
Northern Invasion Areas
There are four main sections of the park that relate to the northern invasion beaches.
Asan Beach: A Landing Zone
This section includes land and water areas from Adelup Point to Asan Point in Asan, Guam. The Asan Invasion Beach itself is a very important historical spot. You can find many old pillboxes, caves, and tunnels here.
This area also has several memorials:
- The Liberator's Memorial, built 50 years after Guam was freed.
- Two monuments honoring Apolinario Mabini and Filipino fighters. These fighters were held here as prisoners in 1901 during the Philippine–American War.
- A monument for the 3rd Marine Division.
- The US Landing Monument, marking where American troops came ashore.
Asan Inland: Battle and Remembrance
This section includes the Matgue River Valley Battle Area and Asan Ridge Battle Area. These areas are in Asan-Maina and Piti. They stretch up towards Nimitz Hill. You can also visit the Asan Bay Overlook on Guam Highway 6. This overlook has walking paths, great views, and sculptures. It also features a Memorial Wall of Names. This wall remembers the 1,888 U.S. service members who died in the 1941 and 1944 battles. It also honors the 1,170 people from Guam who died and the 14,721 who suffered during the war.
Fonte Plateau: A Command Center
This area was once the Japanese naval communications center. After the battle, it became the temporary headquarters for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Chester W. Nimitz.
Piti Guns: Coastal Defenses
The Piti Guns are the main feature of this section in the hills of Piti. A trail maintained by the park leads you from Highway 6 to see these three old coastal guns.
Southern Invasion Areas
Agat Unit: Another Landing Site
The Agat Unit is on the south side of the Orote Peninsula. It includes land and water areas in Agat Bay and the villages of Agat, Guam and Santa Rita. It stretches from Apaca Point to Bangi Point, including Alutom Island. At Ga'an Point, there's a park with several old defensive structures and two types of guns. Important historical sites here include:
- The Agat Invasion Beach.
- The Agat World War II Amtrac, an old military vehicle found offshore.
- Hill 40, located just inland from Bangi Point.
Mount Alifan: A Japanese Observation Post
The Mount Alifan Unit is an undeveloped area. It was a high point used by the Japanese commander to direct the defense of the Agat beaches.
