Pago Pago history

The history of Pago Pago is inextricably linked to its unique harbour, one of the deepest and most sheltered in the Pacific Ocean. The city, which grew on the shores of this natural harbour, was formed at the intersection of Polynesian traditions and the strategic interests of world powers, which defined its path from an ancient settlement to an administrative centre.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the ancestors of modern Samoans settled the islands around 1500 BC, the first contact with Europeans took place in 1722, when the Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen visited the archipelago. In the 19th century, Pago Pago Harbour began to be used by American whaling ships as a convenient anchorage. The official starting point of the city's modern history can be considered 1872, when a local chief allocated land for the establishment of a US Navy coaling station. Since 1899, Pago Pago has been the administrative centre of American Samoa.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Pago Pago was determined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the caldera of an extinct volcano, forming a deep-water harbour that is practically perfectly protected from storms, considered the best natural anchorage in the South Pacific.
• Strategic Importance: From the late 19th century until 1951, Pago Pago served as a vital US naval base known as the US Naval Station Tutuila. A coaling station for refuelling and repairing American fleet ships was located here, which contributed to the settlement's growth.
• Trade: Initially, the port served the whaling industry, and later transformed into one of the world's largest centres for tuna processing, which continues to form the basis of the local economy today.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of the city's formation, the American naval administration generally preserved the traditional Samoan way of life, known as "Fa'a Samoa". Local chiefs were allowed to govern their communities, maintaining customs that did not contradict US laws. The economy, previously based on subsistence farming, gradually transformed with the arrival of the American base, which introduced jobs and monetary circulation. Over time, the canned fish industry became the main sector.

Chronology of Pago Pago History

The history of Pago Pago is a chronicle of the transformation of an ancient Polynesian settlement into a strategically important port and administrative centre. Key events reflect its unique position at the crossroads of local traditions and global interests.

• ~1000 BC: Ancestors of modern Samoans, representatives of the Lapita culture, settle the islands, including Tutuila, where Pago Pago is located.
• 1722: First contact with Europeans occurs when Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen discovers the Samoan archipelago.
• 1872: High Chief Mauga grants the USA the right to establish a coaling station in Pago Pago Harbour, marking a turning point in the city's history.
• 1878: The USA ratifies a treaty with the Kingdom of Samoa, officially securing rights to a naval base in Pago Pago Harbour.
• 1899: The Tripartite Convention divides the Samoan archipelago, resulting in the eastern part with Tutuila Island coming under US administration, and Pago Pago becoming the administrative centre of the new territory.
• 1900: Formal establishment of the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila, which becomes the centre of American presence in the region.
• 1941–1945: During World War II, the base in Pago Pago is significantly expanded and serves as an important staging ground for US Navy operations in the Pacific.
• 1951: The US Naval Base in Pago Pago is officially closed, and administration of the territory transfers from the Navy to the US Department of the Interior.
• 1950s–1960s: The city's economy transforms with the arrival of major tuna canning companies, such as Van Camp and StarKist, making tuna processing the main industry.
• September 29, 2009: A powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami cause significant damage to the city and coastline, leading to loss of life and destruction.

Key Stages of Pago Pago's Development

The development of Pago Pago is a story of transformation from a strategic military outpost to an important economic and cultural centre in the South Pacific. Each stage has left a noticeable mark on the appearance, economy, and life of the city.

• Establishment of the US Naval Base (1900–1951): With the official establishment of Naval Station Tutuila in 1900, the systematic development of Pago Pago began. Wharves, a coaling station, administrative buildings, and basic infrastructure were built. This turned a small settlement into a strategic point of American presence in the Pacific, laying the foundation for the city's modern layout.
• Role in World War II (1941–1945): During the war years, the base was significantly expanded, leading to massive construction of roads, fortifications, and an airfield. The influx of thousands of American military personnel stimulated the local economy and accelerated the island's integration into global processes.
• Becoming the "Tuna Capital" (1950s): After the closure of the naval base in 1951, the city's economy was reoriented. The opening of large fish canning factories, such as StarKist and Van Camp, turned Pago Pago into one of the global centres for tuna processing. This industry became the foundation of employment and economic well-being for American Samoa for decades.
• Development of Tourism and Infrastructure (1960s): Targeted efforts to develop tourism began during this period. A key event was the opening of Pago Pago International Airport in 1964, capable of handling jet aircraft, and the construction of the iconic Intercontinental Hotel. This opened the islands to tourists and contributed to economic diversification.
• 2009 Tsunami and Subsequent Recovery: The powerful earthquake and tsunami on September 29, 2009, caused serious damage to the coastal areas of Pago Pago, destroying buildings and infrastructure. The subsequent large-scale recovery programme, supported by US federal authorities, not only repaired the destruction but also led to the modernisation of the urban environment and increased resilience to natural disasters.
• Digital Transformation (2010s – Present): Connection to submarine fibre-optic cables, such as Hawaiki and future Google projects, has become a crucial step into the modern era. This provided the island with high-speed internet access, radically changing opportunities for business, education, and daily life, integrating Pago Pago into the global digital space.

The architectural appearance of Pago Pago represents a unique combination of traditional Polynesian forms, American colonial heritage, and modern functional structures. There are no classic European styles here, such as Gothic or Baroque; instead, the urban environment tells a story of cultural synthesis and adaptation to climatic conditions.

Traditional Architecture: The Heritage of "Fale"

The basis of local architecture is the fale — a traditional Samoan house. This is an open structure of oval or round shape, the roof of which is supported by wooden posts and traditionally covered with palm leaves. Walls in the classical sense are absent, which ensures natural ventilation in the hot and humid climate. Although today many residential houses are built from modern materials, the principles of openness and integration with nature, inherent in the fale, continue to influence local construction.

American Naval Heritage (Early 20th Century)

With the establishment of the US naval base in 1900, buildings in a colonial style adapted to the tropics began to appear in Pago Pago. These structures, erected for the needs of the American administration and fleet, were distinguished by functionality. Initially, these were wooden frame buildings, but due to the climate, hurricanes, and termites, military engineers soon switched to using concrete. Landmark buildings of this period include:

• Government House: Built in 1903, it is a striking example of tropical Victorian military architecture. This two-storey wooden building on concrete pillars, designed for maximum ventilation, still serves as the official residence of the Governor.
• Naval Station Buildings: Some historical buildings have survived to this day and are part of the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Historic District. For example, the former Commissary Store building, built in 1917, today houses the Jean P. Haydon Museum.

Modernism and Contemporary Development (Mid-20th Century – Present)

The economic boom of the 1960s, associated with the development of the tuna canning industry and tourism, brought modernist architecture to Pago Pago. A landmark project of that era was the Pago Pago Intercontinental Hotel (later known as the Rainmaker Hotel), opened in 1965. Its design, developed by renowned architect Neal Prince, included elements inspired by local culture, for example, detached bungalows in the shape of fale. Although the hotel was demolished in 2015 after many years of neglect, it remains an important symbol of an era of optimism and development. Modern urban planning in Pago Pago is largely functional and aimed at meeting commercial and residential needs, as well as increasing resilience to natural disasters following the devastating tsunami of 2009.

The city of Pago Pago and the entire territory of American Samoa have given the world brilliant political figures, cultural personalities, and athletes whose names are known far beyond the Pacific Ocean. Below are some of the most outstanding individuals associated with this unique place.

Peter Tali Coleman (1919–1997)

Role: Politician, Governor of American Samoa.

Significance: A native of Pago Pago, Peter Coleman went down in history as a key figure in the territory's political development. In 1956, he became the first person of Samoan descent appointed to the post of Governor. Later, he was elected to this position three times by popular vote, becoming the first elected governor in 1977. His service spanned five decades, making him one of the longest-serving governors in the history of the USA and its territories.

Mauga Manuma (19th Century)

Role: High Chief of Pago Pago.

Significance: A historical figure who played a decisive role in the fate of Pago Pago. In 1872, it was High Chief Mauga who granted the United States the right to establish a coaling station and naval base in the unique harbour of Pago Pago. This agreement laid the foundation for the future status of American Samoa as a US territory and defined the city's strategic importance for decades to come.

Mary Jewett Pritchard (1905–1992)

Role: Artist, cultural figure.

Significance: Mary Pritchard, born in Pago Pago, is considered the saviour of the traditional Samoan art of making siapo — painted cloth made from mulberry bark. In the 1920s, she began exporting the works of local artisans, and later became a recognised artist and teacher of this craft herself. Thanks to her efforts and the book she wrote, the art of siapo was preserved from extinction and gained worldwide fame.

Eni Faleomavaega (1943–2017)

Role: Politician, Delegate to the US Congress.

Significance: One of the most influential politicians in the modern history of American Samoa. For 26 years (from 1988 to 2015), he represented the territory in the US House of Representatives as a non-voting delegate. During his tenure, he actively advocated for the interests of the people of American Samoa in Washington, addressing issues of economic development, healthcare, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Al Harrington (1935–2021)

Role: Actor, entertainer.

Significance: Born in Pago Pago as Tausau Ta'a, Al Harrington became one of the first actors of Samoan descent to achieve widespread fame in the USA. He gained his greatest fame for the role of Detective Ben Kokua in the cult TV series "Hawaii Five-O". He also appeared in the modern version of this series, becoming a living link between two eras of Hollywood cinema and paving the way for many Polynesian actors.

Junior Seau (1969–2012)

Role: Professional American football player.

Significance: Although Junior Seau was born in California, he is an icon for the Samoan community and a symbol of American Samoa's immense contribution to American football. He is considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. In 2015, Seau became the first player of Polynesian descent inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, highlighting the outstanding role of Samoans in this sport.