When people think of U.S. territories, places like Puerto Rico and Guam often come to mind. However, throughout its history, the United States has controlled many more territories that are now largely forgotten. These forgotten territories span the globe, from tiny Pacific islands to parts of mainland Asia, each with its own unique story of how it came under U.S. control and why it’s no longer part of the country.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the most interesting forgotten U.S. territories and what happened to them.
The Philippines
The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1946. It was acquired after the Spanish-American War and became a key strategic location in the Pacific. The U.S. implemented various policies to Americanize the islands, including establishing an education system. After World War II, the Philippines gained independence, though it maintained close ties with the U.S.
Panama Canal Zone
The Panama Canal Zone was controlled by the U.S. from 1903 to 1979. This 10-mile wide strip of land across the Panama isthmus was crucial for maritime trade. The U.S. built and operated the Panama Canal, which opened in 1914. After years of negotiations and tensions, the Zone was gradually returned to Panama, with full control transferred in 1999.
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
This territory consisted of over 2,000 islands in Micronesia, administered by the U.S. from 1947 to 1994. It was created after World War II as a United Nations trust territory. Over time, these islands formed four separate entities: the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The first three became independent nations in free association with the U.S., while the Northern Marianas became a U.S. commonwealth.
Cuba
Cuba was briefly a U.S. protectorate from 1898 to 1902. The U.S. gained control of Cuba after the Spanish-American War. While Cuba quickly gained independence, the U.S. maintained significant influence through the Platt Amendment, which allowed for U.S. intervention. This arrangement lasted until 1934 when the amendment was repealed.
Danish West Indies (U.S. Virgin Islands)
The Danish West Indies were purchased by the U.S. in 1917 and renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. This acquisition was motivated by strategic concerns during World War I. The islands, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, remain an unincorporated U.S. territory today. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress.
Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa)
The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, were under U.S. administration from 1945 to 1972. These islands were occupied after World War II due to their strategic location near Japan and China. The U.S. established military bases that remain controversial today. In 1972, the islands were returned to Japanese control, though the U.S. still maintains a significant military presence.
American Samoa
While still a U.S. territory, American Samoa is often forgotten compared to other current territories. It became a U.S. territory in 1900, split between Germany and the U.S. from Samoa. Unlike other territories, people born in American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not citizens. The territory maintains many traditional Samoan customs and has a unique status within the U.S. system.
Swan Islands
The Swan Islands, located in the Caribbean, were claimed by the U.S. from 1863 to 1972. They were used as a guano mining site and later as a radio station location. The islands were disputed between the U.S. and Honduras for many years. In 1972, the U.S. relinquished its claim, and the islands became part of Honduras.
Corn Islands
The Corn Islands, off the coast of Nicaragua, were claimed by the U.S. from 1914 to 1971. They were leased from Nicaragua for use as a potential canal site. The U.S. maintained a small presence on the islands but never developed them significantly. In 1971, the lease expired, and the islands were returned to full Nicaraguan control.
Wake Island
Wake Island, a tiny atoll in the Pacific, has been a U.S. possession since 1899. It was used as a refueling stop for transpacific flights before World War II. The island was captured by Japan during the war and retaken by the U.S. in 1945. Today, it’s an unorganized, unincorporated territory used primarily as a military base and emergency landing site.
Navassa Island
Navassa Island, located between Haiti and Jamaica, has been a U.S. territory since 1857. It was claimed under the Guano Islands Act for its phosphate deposits. The island is uninhabited and is now a National Wildlife Refuge. Haiti continues to claim sovereignty over Navassa, making it a point of diplomatic contention.
Canton and Enderbury Islands
These Pacific islands were jointly administered by the U.S. and UK from 1939 to 1979. They were claimed for their potential as aviation refueling stops. The joint administration was a unique arrangement in territorial history. In 1979, they became part of the newly independent nation of Kiribati.
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