Learn about the 19th-century Guano Islands Act and its role in U.S. territorial expansion through the acquisition of guano-rich islands for agricultural advancement.

The Fascinating World of Guano Island Claims

In the mid-19th century, a peculiar and somewhat smelly race began as the United States, under the Guano Islands Act of 1856, claimed numerous uninhabited islands rich in guano deposits. Guano, the accumulated excrement of seabirds and bats, was a highly sought-after commodity due to its effectiveness as a fertilizer. This act allowed U.S. citizens to take possession of unclaimed islands containing guano deposits, provided they were not within the jurisdiction of another government. The claims were made primarily in the Pacific and Caribbean regions, driven by the agricultural boom and the need for natural fertilizers.

A List of Notable Guano Island Claims

Baker Island: Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Baker Island was claimed by the United States in 1857. It is a small, uninhabited atoll that played a role in the guano trade and later served as a strategic location during World War II.
Howland Island: Also claimed in 1857, Howland Island is situated near Baker Island. It is perhaps best known as the intended refueling stop for Amelia Earhart's ill-fated 1937 flight.
Navassa Island: This Caribbean island, located between Haiti and Jamaica, was claimed in 1857. It became a site of contention between the U.S. and Haiti, with the U.S. maintaining control due to its guano resources.
Johnston Atoll: Claimed in 1858, Johnston Atoll is located in the North Pacific Ocean. It later became a military installation and a site for nuclear testing.
Midway Atoll: Claimed in 1867, Midway Atoll is famous for the pivotal World War II Battle of Midway. It was initially valued for its guano deposits before becoming a strategic military base.
Kingman Reef: This largely submerged reef was claimed in 1859. It is located in the North Pacific Ocean and is now a U.S. territory, primarily serving as a marine sanctuary.
Jarvis Island: Claimed in 1858, Jarvis Island is a small, uninhabited island in the South Pacific Ocean. It was mined for guano until the late 19th century.
Palmyra Atoll: Claimed in 1859, Palmyra Atoll is located in the Pacific Ocean. It is now a National Wildlife Refuge and is known for its rich biodiversity.

The Impact and Legacy

The Guano Islands Act and the subsequent claims had a significant impact on U.S. territorial expansion and agricultural practices. The guano trade contributed to the development of modern agriculture by providing a natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential nutrients for plant growth. While the guano rush eventually subsided with the advent of synthetic fertilizers, the islands claimed during this period remain part of U.S. territories, serving various roles from wildlife refuges to military bases. The story of guano islands is a fascinating chapter in the history of resource-driven exploration and expansion, highlighting humanity's relentless pursuit of natural resources to fuel progress.