War and Paradise: The Territories Of The U.S.

Navassa Island

The first recorded discovery of Navassa Island was actually registered by Christopher Columbus. Columbus sent some crew members to explore the island in hopes of finding fresh water. When none was discovered, the crew assigned the island the name of Navaza which meant plain or field.

An American Sea Captain claimed the island in 1856 in order to mine its rich supply of guano. When Haiti protested the claim, President James Buchanan threatened military action. The island’s violent history didn’t end there, though. Harsh work conditions in the mines led to a worker uprising in 1889. Five supervisors were murdered during the rebellion.

A controversial trial resulted in mining operations either being ceased entirely or greatly reduced.

In the many years since then, the island served the U.S. military before eventually becoming a wildlife refuge. Few landmarks of the island’s occupation remain.



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