Latte Stone Park
Guam
Latte Stone Park is an urban park located in Hagåtña, Guam, known for its prominent display of eight historic latte stones originally from the ancient village of Mepo' in the Fena area. These latte stones, significant cultural artifacts of the Chamorro people, were relocated to the park in the 1950s to preserve and showcase Guam's indigenous heritage. The park also features entrances to caves constructed during the Japanese occupation of Guam (1941–1944) by forced laborers, which served as bomb shelters and supply storage. These caves are recognized as the Agana/Hagåtña Cliffline Fortifications and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The park is situated along the cliffline below the Governor's residence in Agana Heights and near the historic Plaza de España, making it a central cultural and historical site in Hagåtña. Established under Governor Ford Quint Elvidge's administration, the park reflects efforts to preserve Guam's history and colonial heritage. The latte stones themselves are unique; one set includes the only upright latte with its capstone intact and the only square pillar latte on the island. Latte Stone Park offers visitors a tangible connection to Guam's precolonial past and its complex 20th-century wartime history, making it a meaningful destination for cultural education and reflection.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the latte stones and cliffline views. Since the park is outdoors and near historical cave entrances, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. There are no entrance fees, but checking local resources for any guided tours or special events is advised. Early visits during weekdays may offer a quieter experience for contemplation and photography. No advance ticket purchases are necessary, but respecting the site's cultural significance is important.
Faits intéressants
- •The latte stones at the park include the only upright latte stone with its capstone still in place found on Guam.
- •One of the latte stones has a unique square pillar, unlike the typical round pillars seen elsewhere on the island.
- •The caves behind the latte stones were constructed by forced labor during the Japanese occupation (1941–1944) and served as bomb shelters and supply storage.
- •The park is located near the historic Plaza de España and below the Governor's residence in Agana Heights, highlighting its central cultural importance.
- •The latte stones were originally from Mepo', a village that was depopulated during the Spanish-Chamorro Wars and later impacted by U.S. military construction after WWII.
Histoire
The latte stones originally came from the village of Mepo', located in the Fena area of Guam, which was historically densely populated before its inhabitants were relocated during the Spanish-Chamorro Wars in the late 17th century.
Archaeologist Laura Maud Thompson documented the Mepo' latte stones in 1932, noting their unique features.
After the 1944 Battle of Guam, the U.S.
military constructed a munitions depot in the Fena valley, leading to the relocation of the latte stones to prevent destruction.
In the 1950s, under Governor Ford Quint Elvidge, the stones were moved to Hagåtña and installed in the current park to preserve them and promote Guam's cultural heritage.
The park also includes WWII-era caves built by forced labor during the Japanese occupation, which are now historic fortifications recognized nationally.
Guide du lieu
Latte Stonescirca 17th century or earlier
A set of eight historic latte stones originally from the village of Mepo'. These stones served as foundation pillars for ancient Chamorro houses and are significant cultural symbols. One stone uniquely features a square pillar, and another is the only known upright latte with its capstone intact on Guam.
Agana/Hagåtña Cliffline Fortifications Caves1941–1944
Entrances to caves constructed during the Japanese occupation of Guam (1941–1944) by forced laborers. These caves were used to store supplies and as bomb shelters. They are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and represent an important WWII historical site within the park.