Guam, the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, holds the distinction of being the westernmost point and territory of the United States. Located in Micronesia, this organized, unincorporated U.S. territory boasts Hagåtña as its capital, while Dededo claims the title of the most populous village.
1900: Typhoon of 1900 Devastates Guam
The Typhoon of 1900, a significant typhoon, caused major damage to Guam during this year.
1901: Establishment of U.S. Marine Corps Barracks
In 1901, a United States Marine Corps barracks was established at Sumay, Guam.
1903: Trans-Pacific Communications Cable
In 1903, the Commercial Pacific Cable Company built a telegraph/telephone station in Guam for the first trans-Pacific communications cable.
December 10, 1914: SMS Cormoran Seeks Port in Guam
On December 10, 1914, the German armed merchant raider SMS Cormoran sought port at Apra Harbor, Guam, after running low on coal. The neutral United States interned the ship and crew until 1917.
April 7, 1917: US Declares War on Germany
On April 7, 1917, news arrived in Guam that the U.S. Congress had declared war on Germany, prompting the surrender of the interned SMS Cormoran and the capture of her crew as prisoners of war.
1917: Internment of SMS Cormoran Ends
The internment of the German ship SMS Cormoran and her crew in Guam ended in 1917.
1921: Establishment of Marine Seaplane Unit
A marine seaplane unit, the first in the Pacific, was stationed in Sumay, Guam from 1921 to 1930.
1925: Discovery of Rota Latte Stone Quarry
The Rota Latte Stone Quarry, a possible source for the latte stones used in Pre-Contact Chamorro architecture, was discovered in 1925 on Rota.
1930: Departure of Marine Seaplane Unit
The marine seaplane unit stationed in Sumay, Guam since 1921 departed in 1930.
December 8, 1941: Japanese Capture of Guam
On December 8, 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese captured Guam, occupying the island for two and a half years.
July 21, 1944: Liberation Day: American Forces Recapture Guam
On July 21, 1944, American forces recaptured Guam after two and a half years of Japanese occupation. This day is commemorated as Liberation Day.
1944: Battle of Guam and Liberation
From July 21 to August 10, 1944, the United States fought the Battle of Guam, successfully recapturing the island.
1950: Guam Organic Act
The Guam Organic Act of 1950 established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, provided for civilian government, and granted US citizenship to the people.
October 15, 1953: Record Rainfall in Guam
On October 15, 1953, Guam experienced its highest ever rainfall in a single day, recording a massive 15.48 inches (393.2 millimeters).
1962: Typhoon Karen Pummels Guam
Typhoon Karen, a powerful typhoon, struck Guam in 1962, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
1963: Development of Tourism Industry
The removal of Guam's security clearance by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 paved the way for the development of a tourism industry.
1968: Guam Elective Governor Act
The Guam Elective Governor Act of 1968 provided for the popular election of the Governor of Guam, a position previously federally appointed.
June 1, 1969: First Guam Constitutional Convention
The first Guam Constitutional Convention, funded by the 10th Guam Legislature, commenced on June 1, 1969, to draft a constitution for the island.
1969: Referendum on Unification Rejected
A referendum held in 1969 on the unification of Guam with the Northern Mariana Islands was rejected.
June 29, 1970: Conclusion of the First Guam Constitutional Convention
After over a year of deliberations, the first Guam Constitutional Convention concluded on June 29, 1970, having drafted a proposed constitution.
1970: Hawksbill Sea Turtle Listed as Endangered in Guam
In a crucial move to protect the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle, Guam listed the species as endangered in 1970.
April 18, 1971: Highest Temperature Recorded in Guam
Guam experienced its highest ever recorded temperature on April 18, 1971, when the mercury hit 96 °F (35.6 °C).
February 8, 1973: Lowest Recorded Temperature in Guam
On February 8, 1973, Guam recorded its lowest ever temperature, plummeting to 65 °F (18.3 °C).
1975: Guam Hosts Pacific Games
Demonstrating its growing presence in the international sporting arena, Guam hosted the Pacific Games in 1975, showcasing athletic talent from across the Pacific region.
1975: Guam National Football Team Kicks Off
Marking a significant milestone in Guam's sporting history, the Guam national football team was established in 1975, paving the way for the island's participation in international football.
1976: Building Codes Strengthened in Guam After Typhoon Pamela
Following the devastation caused by Typhoon Pamela in 1976, Guam implemented stricter building codes. Wooden structures were largely replaced by concrete, and typhoon-resistant materials were adopted for utility poles.
1976: Typhoon Pamela Batters Guam
Guam was hit by the destructive force of Typhoon Pamela in 1976, leading to significant damage across the island.
1976: Wettest Year in Guam
The year 1976 holds the record for the wettest calendar year in Guam's history, with a total rainfall of 131.70 inches (3,345.2 mm).
July 1, 1977: Second Guam Constitutional Convention
The second Guam Constitutional Convention began on July 1, 1977, with the goal of creating a constitution that would redefine Guam's relationship with the United States.
October 31, 1977: End of the Second Constitutional Convention
The second Guam Constitutional Convention concluded on October 31, 1977, after several months of discussions and drafting.
August 1978: Green Sea Turtle Earns Protection in Guam
Recognizing the declining population of green sea turtles, Guam took a significant step in August 1978 by listing them as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This prohibited the harvesting of their eggs, a practice common before World War II.
August 1979: Guam Constitution Referendum
In August 1979, a referendum was held on the proposed Guam Constitution, which was ultimately rejected by the people of Guam with 82% voting against it.
1982: Plebiscite on Commonwealth Status
In 1982, a plebiscite was held in Guam where voters expressed interest in pursuing commonwealth status, similar to Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.
1983: Guam Joins Pacific Community
In 1983, Guam became a member of the Pacific Community.
April 1, 1990: Highest Temperature Tied
Matching the record set in 1971, Guam's temperature again reached 96 °F (35.6 °C) on April 1, 1990.
August 8, 1993: Significant Earthquake in Guam
A major earthquake, more powerful than the one in 1849, struck Guam on August 8, 1993.
1996: Guam Joins FIFA
In a major step for football in Guam, the country was officially recognized by FIFA in 1996, allowing them to compete in FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
August 1997: Wettest Month at Guam Airport
August 1997 was recorded as the wettest month at Guam Airport, with a total rainfall of 38.49 inches (977.6 mm).
September 1997: DoDEA Schools Established in Guam
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) established its own schools in Guam in September 1997 to serve the children of military personnel.
1997: Guam Integrates into North American Numbering Plan
In 1997, Guam was integrated into the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), receiving the area code 671. This integration eliminated the high costs associated with international long-distance calls to the continental United States.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impacts Guam
The 1997 Asian financial crisis significantly impacted Guam's tourism industry, particularly due to its effect on Japan. This, coupled with military cutbacks in the 1990s, and the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Paka in the same year, severely disrupted the island's economy.
1997: Typhoon Paka Adds to Guam's Woes
Adding to the year's challenges, Typhoon Paka struck Guam in 1997, causing widespread damage and disruption.
1997: Establishment of the Commission on Decolonization
A Commission on Decolonization was formed in 1997 to educate the people of Guam about the different political status options available to the island in its relationship with the U.S. These options include statehood, free association, and independence.
1998: Consideration of Decolonization Plebiscite
Guam has been considering holding another non-binding plebiscite on decolonization since 1998.
1998: Driest Year in Guam
In stark contrast to 1976, the year 1998 experienced the lowest annual rainfall in Guam, recording only 57.88 inches (1,470.2 mm).
1999: Guam Hosts Pacific Games for the Second Time
Building on the success of 1975, Guam once again played host to the Pacific Games in 1999, reaffirming its commitment to sports and regional cooperation.
2000: DoDEA Schools Enrollment in Guam
By 2000, DoDEA schools in Guam, which also cater to children of some federal civilian employees, had an enrollment of 2,500 students.
2000: Guam's Economy Stabilizes
Guam experienced a period of economic stability starting in 2000, largely attributed to a surge in tourism. This growth indicated a positive trajectory for the island's economy.
2000: State of Guam Public Schools
In 2000, Guam's public schools faced challenges such as high dropout rates and low test scores.
2002: Typhoon Pongsona Compounds Guam's Challenges
In 2002, Typhoon Pongsona struck Guam, exacerbating the island's ongoing recovery efforts from previous typhoons and economic downturns.
2002: Typhoon Pongsona Hampers Economic Recovery
As Guam was recovering from the Asian financial crisis and military cutbacks, Super Typhoon Pongsona struck the island in 2002, causing further devastation and hindering the island's economic recovery.
2003: High Unemployment and Budget Shortfall Plague Guam
Guam faced economic challenges in 2003, grappling with a 14% unemployment rate and a substantial budget shortfall of $314 million, indicating a period of economic strain.
2004: Congressional Testimony on Guam War Casualties
In 2004, US Congressional committee testimony revealed that approximately 1,000 people died during the Japanese occupation of Guam. Historians estimate war violence killed 10% of the island's then 20,000 population.
2005: Guam National Rugby Union Team Makes Debut
Expanding its horizons in rugby, Guam's national rugby union team played its inaugural match in 2005, signaling the nation's entry into the world of international rugby.
2007: Guam Excels at Pacific Games
Guam demonstrated strong athletic prowess at the 2007 Pacific Games, securing a commendable 7th place finish out of 22 participating countries in the medal tally.
2008: Continental Micronesia: A Major Employer in Guam
As of 2008, Continental Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines, held the position of Guam's largest private sector employer, providing approximately 1,400 jobs and contributing significantly to the island's economy with an annual payroll of $90 million.
2009: Guam Achieves First FIFA Victory
Breaking new ground, Guam secured their first-ever victory against a FIFA-registered team in 2009, marking a historic moment for the nation's football team.
February 2010: EPA Raises Concerns Over Military Buildup in Guam
In February 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressed strong criticism towards the proposed military buildup in Guam. The EPA cited concerns about the potential strain on water resources, sewage systems, and the negative impact on the island's delicate coral reefs.
2010: Proposed Marine Relocation to Guam
In 2010, the U.S. military put forth a proposal to relocate approximately 8,000 Marines and their 10,000 dependents from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam between 2010 and 2015. This proposed relocation had significant implications for Guam's economy and infrastructure.
2010: Pew Research Center Analyzes Guam's Religious Landscape
The Pew Research Center conducted a study in 2010, analyzing the religious demographics of Guam. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the religious beliefs and practices prevalent on the island.
2011: Guam Competes in Pacific Games
Guam continued its participation in the Pacific Games in 2011, showcasing its athletes' skills and contributing to the spirit of the games.
2013: Commission on Decolonization Seeks Funding
In 2013, the commission began seeking funding to launch a public education campaign.
February 2015: Driest Month at Guam Airport
In contrast to August 1997, February 2015 was the driest month recorded at Guam Airport, with a mere 0.15 inches (3.8 mm) of rainfall.
2015: Guam Hosts First FIFA World Cup Qualifying Games
Further establishing itself in the world of football, Guam hosted FIFA World Cup qualifying games for the first time in 2015, marking a significant milestone for the development of the sport on the island.
2015: Delay in Marine Relocation
The planned relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, initially slated for completion between 2010 and 2015, faced delays and was pushed back.
May 2016: UN Endorses Guam's Education Plan for Self-Determination
In May 2016, the UN's Special Committee on Decolonization agreed to endorse the Governor of Guam's education plan, which aimed to inform the public about the island's political status options.
May 2016: US Department of the Interior Grants $300,000 for Decolonization Education in Guam
In May 2016, the United States Department of the Interior granted $300,000 to support decolonization education in Guam. The funding aimed to facilitate a public education campaign to inform residents about their political status options.
December 2016: Commission on Decolonization Education Sessions
In December 2016, the Commission on Decolonization in Guam scheduled a series of educational sessions across different villages. The goal of these sessions was to inform the public about Guam's existing political relationship with the U.S. and the potential self-determination options available to them.
2016: Guam Regional Medical City Opens
In early 2016, a private hospital, Guam Regional Medical City, began its operations.
2018: Guam Secures Historic FIFA World Cup Qualifying Win
Adding another chapter to their football journey, Guam achieved their first-ever FIFA World Cup Qualifying win in 2018, showcasing their growing competitiveness on the international stage.
2019: Unemployment Rate Drops Significantly in Guam
By 2019, Guam's unemployment rate experienced a considerable drop, falling to 6.1%, signifying a positive shift in the job market and a potential period of economic growth.
2019: Guam Men's Basketball Team Wins Pacific Games
Solidifying their position as a dominant force in Oceania basketball, the Guam men's national basketball team emerged victorious at the 2019 Pacific Games Basketball Tournament, claiming the championship title.
July 31, 2020: Guam Joins UNPO
On July 31, 2020, the Government of Guam officially became a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).
September 2020: Unemployment Rate Spikes in Guam
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase in Guam's unemployment rate, reaching 17.9% by September 2020, reflecting the pandemic's significant economic impact.
2020: Vatican Reports on Guam's Catholic Population
In 2020, the Vatican reported that a significant majority of Guam's population, 87.72%, identified as Catholic. This data provided insights into the religious landscape of Guam, highlighting the predominance of Catholicism within the community.
2020: U.S. Census Reveals Guam's Diverse Demographics
The 2020 United States Census revealed the diverse ethnic makeup of Guam. Native Chamorros constituted the largest ethnic group, followed by a significant proportion of Asians, including Filipinos, Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese. The census also highlighted a substantial multiracial population and a high interracial marriage rate, indicating a richly diverse society.
2020: Marine Relocation to Guam Resumes
After delays, the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam from Okinawa resumed in late 2020. However, the number of Marines being relocated was reduced to 5,000, impacting the initial economic and infrastructure projections for Guam.
February 1, 2021: Record Low Temperature Set in Guam
Guam experienced a record low temperature of 69 °F (21 °C) on February 1, 2021.
September 2022: Unemployment Rate Decreases Year-on-Year in Guam
Comparing year-on-year data, Guam's unemployment rate showed a positive trend, decreasing from 4.4% in September 2022 to 4.1% in September 2023, signaling a gradual improvement in the job market.
2022: Guam Population Statistics
As of 2022, Guam's population was 168,801, with a population density of 775 per square mile. Chamorros, the largest ethnic group, constitute a minority on the multi-ethnic island.
2022: Marine Deployment to Guam Confirmed
By 2022, the Marine Corps solidified its decision to station 5,000 Marines in Guam, with the deployment planned for the first half of the 2020s. This decision marked a significant development in the ongoing military buildup on the island.
June 2023: Unemployment Rate Falls in Guam
Guam's unemployment rate showed positive signs of recovery by June 2023, falling to 4.0%, indicating a rebounding economy and potential job growth.
September 2023: Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly in Guam
Guam's unemployment rate experienced a slight uptick, rising to 4.1% in September 2023 from 4.0% in June 2023. This minor increase suggests potential fluctuations in the job market.
2023: Typhoon Mawar Impacts Guam
Typhoon Mawar, a powerful storm, made landfall on Guam in 2023, causing significant damage to the island.
2025: Expected Completion of Marine Relocation to Guam
The relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam is projected to be finalized in 2025. This relocation will have a considerable influence on Guam's social and economic landscape.