American Samoa

The islands and atolls of American Samoa have been home to Polynesian people for thousands of years. American interest in the beautiful, secluded location started in the late 1800s when the military sought to build a naval base there. American Samoa became an unincorporated territory of the United States in the early 1900s. Since then, American Samoa has been an important center of operations for the U.S. Navy, a dazzling tourist destination, and the birthplace of numerous successful athletes. It is also home to unique indigenous wildlife. Vibrant photographs, primary sources, and a timeline help readers make the most of their trip to American Samoa.