Latte Stone Park
Guam
Latte Stone Park, officially known as the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park, is an urban park located in Hagåtña, Guam. It is renowned for its display of eight historic latte stones originally from the village of Mepo', a significant archaeological site in southcentral Guam's Fena area. These stones, unique for their cultural symbolism as Chamorro house foundations, were relocated to the park in the 1950s to preserve them from destruction during military developments. The park also encompasses entrances to caves constructed during the Japanese occupation of Guam (1941–1944) by forced laborers, which served as supply storage and bomb shelters. These caves are recognized both locally and nationally for their historical importance. The park’s location along the cliffline below the Governor's residence and near the Plaza de España situates it within the cultural heart of Hagåtña, making it a popular site for visitors interested in Guam's indigenous heritage and wartime history. The latte stones, including the only upright latte with its cap intact and a rare square pillar, represent a vital link to the island’s precolonial past and architectural traditions. The park was established under Governor Ford Quint Elvidge in the 1950s as part of efforts to preserve Guam’s historical artifacts and structures. Today, Latte Stone Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both ancient Chamorro culture and the tangible remnants of World War II on Guam.
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Consejo: Visitors should plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the latte stones and the cliffline caves. Since the park is outdoors, bring sun protection and water. There are no entrance fees, but guided tours may be available through local cultural organizations. Early visits on weekdays are recommended to avoid crowds. Although the site is open year-round, the dry season offers more comfortable conditions. Advance reservations are not required, but checking local visitor centers for any special events or closures is advised.
Datos interesantes
- •The latte stones in the park include the only upright latte stone with its cap still in place on Guam.
- •The stones were originally from Mepo', a village that was depopulated during Spanish colonial restructuring in the 17th century.
- •The cliffline caves behind the latte stones were built by forced laborers during the Japanese occupation and served as bomb shelters and supply storage.
- •The park is located near the Plaza de España, a historic area in Hagåtña.
- •The latte stones were moved carefully and preserved to protect them from destruction during the construction of a U.S. naval ammunition depot after World War II.
Historia
The latte stones displayed at Latte Stone Park originally came from the village of Mepo' in the Fena area, an ancient Chamorro settlement that was depopulated during Spanish colonial villagization in the late 17th century.
Documented by archaeologist Laura Maud Thompson in 1932, the stones were notable for their unique features, including an upright latte with its cap in place and a square pillar.
After World War II, the U.S.
military developed a munitions depot in the Fena valley, prompting the relocation of these stones to prevent their destruction.
The park itself was established in the 1950s under Governor Ford Quint Elvidge, who also formed committees to preserve Guam’s historical and cultural assets.
Additionally, caves near the stones were constructed by forced labor during the Japanese occupation (1941–1944) and are now protected historic sites.
Guía del lugar
Latte Stone DisplayPre-17th century
A set of eight ancient Chamorro latte stones from Mepo' village, including the only upright latte with its cap intact and a rare square pillar, symbolizing indigenous architectural heritage.
Agana/Hagåtña Cliffline Fortifications Caves1941–1944
Entrances to caves constructed during the Japanese occupation of Guam (1941–1944) by forced laborers, used as bomb shelters and supply storage, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
