Page 354 - Micronesia
P. 354
Your Guam Experience HISTORY OF GUAM
initiative. It has united commu- 9
nities and inspired the island
of Guam to promote its unique The history of Guam can be Take a moment to explore the 11
culture, food, and faith through divided into several eras, history of Guam below.
everything from clothing to the beginning with the Pre-Latte/
friendly Hafa Adai spirit. Latte Period (500 AD – 1521) Pre-Contact
defined by ancient Chamorros Period
Whether you’re a first-time or life before Spanish explorer (500 AD –
returning visitor, our island Ferdinand Magellan discovered 1521)
offers a distinct experience that the island in 1521. The Span- Archaeologi-
will captivate any traveler. We ish Era (1565 – 1898), which cal evidence
warmly invite you to explore began a few years after the suggests the
Guam and discover the ambi- discovery and extended more Chamorro
ance that is unlike any other than 300 years later, when culture has ex-
tropical resort. Guam and its Spanish missionaries intro- isted on Guam for more than
neighboring islands of Microne- duced Catholicism to Guam, 4,000 years, after the first set-
sia can provide you with memo- accounts for a significant tlers traveled from Southeast
ries that will last a lifetime. portion of the island’s his- Asia in canoes that took them
tory. Evidence of the American through the Pacific Ocean’s
So go ahead, run or swim along Period (1898 – 1941), followed rough waters.
the Tumon Bay Marine Pre- by the Japanese Occupation
serve, enjoy an island view atop (1941 – 1944), Liberation and Because written history does
10 Mount Lam Lam, explore the U.S. Territorial Status (1944 – not exist prior to the arrival of
pristine ocean by snorkeling, Present) can be seen through- Europeans on Guam, much of
kayaking, or scuba diving, or out the island at several his- what we know about this pe-
eat to your heart’s content. toric and scenic spots outlined riod has come from varchaeo-
beginning on page 38. logical research – cooking
As you become absorbed in
your Guam experience, the is-
land’s marine environment will
soothe your mind. The sweet
flowery scent from plumeria
trees will tantalize your spirit.
And the breathtaking, natural
beauty will make you appreci-
ate why you chose Guam as
your destination of choice.
