Hagatna history

The history of Hagatna, the administrative centre of Guam, dates back to ancient times. This location was one of the significant settlements of the indigenous Chamorro people, who arrived here, according to various estimates, around 500 AD. The city's current name comes from the Chamorro word "haga", meaning "blood", serving as a reminder of the ancestral bloodlines that formed the foundation of ancient society.

The modern history of the city began in the 17th century with the arrival of the Spanish. In 1668, the missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores established the island's first Catholic mission here, marking the beginning of the transformation of the ancient village into the colonial city of Agana—the old name for Hagatna. It was from here that the Spanish colonisation of the Mariana Islands commenced, and the city quickly became the administrative and religious hub of Spanish possessions in the region.

Several factors contributed to Hagatna becoming the capital. Firstly, its strategic location on the west coast of the island, within a convenient bay, made the city a vital point for Spanish ships in the Pacific Ocean. Secondly, by becoming the residence of the Spanish governor, Hagatna concentrated all administrative and military power on the island. Furthermore, the Spanish administration implemented a policy of centralising the population, relocating the indigenous Chamorro people to controlled centres, one of which was Hagatna, facilitating governance and the spread of Christianity.

During the Spanish period, the culture of Hagatna represented a blend of Chamorro traditions and European influence. Catholicism became an integral part of life, reflected in the construction of churches, the most prominent being the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. The city's economy was closely tied to its administrative status and the servicing of Spanish garrisons and fleets. Although Guam served as a stopover for Spanish galleons travelling from Mexico to the Philippines, its economic role was largely auxiliary, focused on replenishing supplies of provisions and fresh water.

Key Dates in the History of Hagatna

The history of Hagatna is a reflection of the history of the entire island of Guam, full of dramatic events and cultural transformations. From an ancient settlement to a modern administrative centre, the city has journeyed a long path, captured in the following dates:

• Circa 500 AD — The first settlements of the indigenous Chamorro people appear on the site of modern Hagatna.
• 6 March 1521 — Ferdinand Magellan's expedition reaches Guam, marking the island's first contact with Europeans.
• 1668 — Spanish missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores establishes the first Catholic mission in the settlement, founding the city which received the name Agana.
• 1669 — Construction begins on the first Catholic church, on the site where the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica stands today.
• 1736 — Construction is completed on the Governor's Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), which becomes the official residence of the Spanish administration on the island.
• 21 June 1898 — During the Spanish-American War, the United States captures Guam, and Agana becomes the seat of the American naval administration.
• 10 December 1941 — Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces capture Guam and occupy Agana.
• 21 July 1944 — American forces launch an operation to liberate Guam; during fierce battles and bombardments, most of historic Agana is destroyed.
• 10 August 1944 — The island is declared liberated from Japanese occupation.
• 1950 — The US Congress passes the Organic Act of Guam, granting island residents American citizenship and local self-government with the capital in Agana.
• 1998 — The Guam Legislature officially restores the city's historical name in the Chamorro language — Hagatna.

Major Stages of Hagatna's Development

The development of Hagatna is a story of transformation, from an ancient settlement to a modern administrative hub. Key milestones reflect the profound cultural, economic, and urban changes that have shaped the city's appearance.

• Founding of the Spanish Capital (1668): With the arrival of Spanish missionaries, Agana—the future Hagatna—was founded on the site of an ancient Chamorro settlement. This step turned the village into the administrative and religious centre of Spanish territories in the region, initiating radical cultural and urban changes.
• Construction of the Governor's Palace (1736): The erection of the official residence of the Spanish governor strengthened the city's status as the political centre of the island. The building became the core of colonial development and a symbol of authority.
• Transfer to US Administration (1898): After the Spanish-American War, Guam was ceded to the United States. For Hagatna, this meant the beginning of a new era associated with the introduction of American legal and administrative systems, gradually changing the social and economic life of the city.
• Post-War Reconstruction (after 1944): The city was almost completely destroyed during the battles for the liberation of Guam in World War II. Subsequent large-scale replanning and reconstruction fundamentally changed its urban layout, creating a modern street grid and infrastructure.
• Adoption of the Organic Act of Guam (1950): This act granted island residents American citizenship and the right to local self-government with the capital in Hagatna. For the city, this was a crucial political stage that solidified its capital functions and initiated the development of modern government institutions.
• Development of the Tourism Industry (from the 1960s): The economy of Hagatna and all of Guam began to orient heavily towards tourism, primarily from Japan. This stimulated the construction of shopping centres, such as the Agana Shopping Center, and the development of the service sector, which became the main engine of the local economy.
• Revival of Chamorro Culture and Creation of Chamorro Village: The creation of the cultural and retail zone Chamorro Village was an important step in preserving and promoting the heritage of the indigenous people. This place is not only a tourist attraction but also a centre of cultural life, supporting local crafts and cuisine.
• Return of the Historical Name (1998): The official renaming of the city from Agana to Hagatna became a symbolic act of recognition and respect for the history and language of the Chamorro people, highlighting the cultural identity of the capital.

The architectural appearance of Hagatna is a multi-layered narrative of Guam's history, reflecting a succession of eras and cultures. From the ancient foundations of Chamorro homes to Spanish colonial heritage and modern developments, the city represents a unique combination of styles formed by both peaceful construction and tragic destruction.

Ancient Chamorro Architecture

Before the arrival of Europeans, the architecture of the indigenous Chamorro people had its own unique features. A hallmark of that period is the latte stones—stone pillars (haligi) with hemispherical capstones (tasa) that served as foundations for residential and communal buildings. These structures, made of limestone or basalt, raised wooden houses above the ground, protecting them from moisture and pests. Reconstructed latte stones can be seen today at Latte Stone Park in the southern part of Hagatna.

Spanish Colonial Period (17th–19th Centuries)

With the founding of the Spanish mission in 1668, Hagatna (then Agana) began to acquire the features of a colonial city. The centre of the urban plan was the Plaza de España, around which key administrative and religious buildings were erected. The architecture of this period followed the canons of the Spanish colonial style with Baroque elements, characterised by massive walls, arched galleries, and the use of local materials. Significant structures included the Governor's Palace (Casa Gobierno, 1736) and the first Catholic church, on the site of which the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica now stands. Only fragments of former grandeur remain to this day, such as the three-arched gate and walls at the Plaza de España.

Destruction and Post-War Reconstruction

World War II was a tragic chapter in the city's history. During the battles for the liberation of Guam in 1944, Hagatna was almost completely destroyed by American bombardments. This event radically changed its appearance. Post-war reconstruction proceeded according to a new urban plan that prioritised functionality and vehicular traffic. The historic street grid was replaced by a more modern one, and buildings in the spirit of mid-20th-century American modernism—simple, utilitarian, and devoid of the decorative excesses of the past—rose on the site of the ruins. It was then that the foundation of Hagatna's modern appearance was laid.

Modern Appearance

Today's Hagatna is an eclectic city where modern administrative buildings stand alongside remnants of the Spanish era and sites dedicated to Chamorro culture. The architecture is dominated by functional 20th-century structures, shopping centres such as the Agana Shopping Center, and government institutions. An important element of modern urban planning has been the revival of cultural heritage. The creation of Chamorro Village and the opening of the Guam Museum are examples of the desire to preserve and popularise the island's identity, integrating traditional motifs into the modern urban environment.

Kepuha

Kepuha was the paramount chief of the Chamorro people in the village of Hagatna in the 17th century. He went down in history as the leader who, in 1668, warmly welcomed Spanish missionaries led by Diego Luis de San Vitores. Kepuha granted them land to build the first Catholic church on Guam, which became a turning point in the island's history and marked the beginning of Spanish colonisation. His statue is one of the iconic monuments in Hagatna today.

Diego Luis de San Vitores

A Spanish Jesuit missionary who arrived in Guam in 1668 and established the first Catholic mission in Hagatna. His activities initiated the Christianisation of the Mariana Islands and the establishment of Spanish rule. San Vitores actively built churches and schools, but his reforms met with resistance from part of the local population. He was killed in 1672 and is venerated by the Catholic Church as a martyr.

Pedro Calungsod

A young Filipino catechist and missionary who accompanied Diego Luis de San Vitores on his mission to Guam. He assisted in teaching and baptising the Chamorro people. Pedro Calungsod shared the tragic fate of his mentor and was killed alongside him in 1672. In 2012, he was canonised by the Catholic Church and declared a saint as a martyr for the faith.

Agueda Iglesias Johnston

A distinguished educator and civic leader of Guam in the 20th century. Agueda Johnston played a key role in rebuilding the education system on the island after World War II. She was a fierce advocate and promoter of Chamorro culture and language, as well as the initiator of the establishment of Guam Liberation Day. Her contribution to the development of society and the preservation of the island's heritage makes her one of the most respected figures in Guam's modern history.

Felixberto Camacho Flores

An important religious figure in Guam's history, becoming the first Chamorro bishop of the Diocese of Agana. Later, in 1984, he was elevated to the rank of the first Archbishop of Agana. Archbishop Flores was a spiritual leader for many island residents during the difficult post-war period and made a significant contribution to strengthening the community on Guam.

Ricardo "Ricky" Bordallo

A charismatic and influential politician who served twice as Governor of Guam (1975–1979 and 1983–1987). His administration focused on economic development, infrastructure modernisation, including the construction of the international airport, and promoting the idea of self-government for Guam. Despite a controversial end to his political career, Ricardo Bordallo remains one of the key figures in the political history of Guam in the second half of the 20th century.