War in the Pacific National Historical Park
Guam
War in the Pacific National Historical Park, located in Guam, is a unique protected area dedicated to honoring all participants of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Established in 1978, the park encompasses multiple units across the island, including historic battlefields, gun emplacements, caves, trenches, and memorials. It preserves key sites from the 1944 American liberation of Guam from Japanese occupation, such as the Asan and Agat invasion beaches, the Piti Guns coastal artillery, and the Fonte Plateau Japanese naval communications center. The park also features memorials commemorating U.S. servicemen and the local Chamorro people who suffered during the war. Visitors can explore the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, which displays a Japanese midget submarine, and enjoy scenic overlooks with monuments and interpretive sculptures. The park combines natural beauty with profound historical significance, offering hiking opportunities through jungle terrain and access to underwater resources shaped by the wartime battles. As a tribute to the sacrifices made, it also includes memorial walls listing the names of thousands of casualties. This comprehensive historical park provides an immersive experience into Guam’s pivotal role in the Pacific conflict and honors the resilience and courage of those involved.
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Tipp: The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to June) for comfortable hiking and exploration. Visitors should allow time to visit multiple park units, including Asan Beach, Piti Guns, and Agat Unit. Tickets are generally not required as the park is managed by the National Park Service, but checking the official website for any alerts or guided tours is recommended. Bring water and sun protection for outdoor trails, and consider visiting the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center for educational exhibits. Discounts may be available for seniors, veterans, and children through National Park Service programs.
Interessante Fakten
- •The park is unique in the U.S. National Park System for honoring all participants in the Pacific Theater of World War II, not just American forces.
- •The T. Stell Newman Visitor Center displays a Japanese midget submarine that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- •The park was featured on the 2019 Washington Quarter as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Series.
- •Memorial walls at the Asan Bay Overlook list the names of 1,888 U.S. servicemen, 1,170 people of Guam who died, and 14,721 who suffered war atrocities during the battles.
- •The Piti Guns Unit features three restored Japanese coastal artillery guns accessible via a maintained trail.
Geschichte
Guam was captured by Japanese forces in 1941 and remained under occupation for four years during World War II.
The island was liberated by American forces in 1944 after fierce battles, which are commemorated by this park.
Established in 1978, the War in the Pacific National Historical Park was created to honor the bravery and sacrifices of all who participated in the Pacific Theater.
Over time, the park expanded to include multiple units representing key battle sites and historic locations across Guam.
It also preserves numerous structures, such as gun emplacements and tunnels, that played vital roles during the conflict.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
T. Stell Newman Visitor Center
Located in Santa Rita, this visitor center features exhibits on the Pacific War, including the Ha. 62-76 Japanese midget submarine displayed at the front. It serves as the park headquarters and a starting point for learning about Guam's wartime history.
Asan Beach Unit1944
This unit encompasses the historic Asan Invasion Beach and surrounding land and waters. It includes pillboxes, caves, tunnels, and several memorials such as the Liberator's Memorial and monuments honoring Filipino insurrectionists and the 3rd Marine Division.
Asan Inland Unit1944
Covering the Matgue River Valley and Asan Ridge battle areas, this unit extends through Asan-Maina and Piti towards Nimitz Hill. It features developed walkways, scenic overlooks, sculptures, and the Memorial Wall of Names listing casualties from the 1941 and 1944 battles.
Fonte Plateau Unit1944
Located in the Nimitz Hill Annex, this unit was the Japanese naval communications center during the war and temporarily served as the headquarters for U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Chester W. Nimitz following the battle.
Piti Guns Unit1944
This unit features three restored Japanese coastal artillery guns situated on hills overlooking Piti. Visitors can reach the guns via a park-maintained trail from Highway 6, offering insight into the island's wartime defenses.
Agat Unit1944
Located on the south side of the Orote Peninsula, this unit includes Agat Invasion Beach, defensive structures, the Agat World War II Amtrac offshore, and Hill 40. It preserves key sites from the southern American invasion of Guam.
Mt. Alifan Unit1944
An undeveloped area that served as the Japanese command post overlooking the Agat beaches during the battle, offering strategic views of the invasion zone.
Kontakt
Telefon: (671) 333-4055
