When visiting Guam these are the five historical sites you need to add to your travel iteneriy. Each site is a unique celebration of Guam’s CHamoru idenity.
For year’s Guam has been seen as small Pacific island first “discovered” by the Spainish, then later as a tale of liberation in American Military history. To place emphahses on only these narratives of colonization are disservice to Guam, her rich history, and to her people. (Interested in learning more about CHamoru history? Go Here.)
After learning about these historical sites in Guam you will see why Guam is an amazing travel destination.
This post is all about the top five Guam Historical Sites that highlight and celebrate the marianas and the CHamoru people.
1. Museum: The Guam Museum – Hagåtña, Guam
The Guam Museum shares the beautiful story of “The Journey of the CHamoru people.” This is a must-stop on your Guam travel itinerary. Its main exhibit begins with the Chamorro creation story and is home to over 300 artifacts! You won’t want to miss the museum shop for art and souveniers made by local artists.
2. Historical Site: Latte Stone Memorial Park – Hagåtña, Guam
Celebrate the spirit of CHamoru strength and freedom at the Angel Santos Memorial Park. This site boasts 8 standing Latte stones. These stone structures are as old as the Mayan pyramids and were once used as support for wooden homes. Lattes are very unique and can only be found in Guam and her neighboring islands. ( Saipan, Rota, and Tinian )
3. Historical Site: Valley of the Latte – Talo’fo’fo, Guam
Traveling down Guam’s Talo’fofo and Ugum Rivers provides a unique opportunity to step back in time to a beautifully preserved ancient Latte site. If you are new to Guam, I HIGHLY recommend taking the river cruise at The Valley of the Latte. You will find yourself immersed in CHamoru culture of both the past and the present. The guides are happy to share their deep knowledge of the local history, traditions, lore, and wildlife. Check their event calendar for seasonal events such as the Watermelon Festival or cultural workshops.
If you are local or plan on staying in Guam awhile, you might want to consider paddle boarding up the river to catch a glimpse of the ancient site at golden hour. It’s a really magical sight to behold after the site has closed for the day. REMEMBER, RESPECT THE LOCALS. This site is private property. Remain on your paddle board in the river. The owner invests a lot of time and energy in the care and preservation of this ancient site. To enjoy walking through the ruines, you MUST pay for the river cruise.
4. Historical Site – Gadao’s Cave – Inalåhan, Guam
Guam is home to many ancient Chamorro pictographs, some dating back to Upper Paleolithic Era. Local lore claims the ones found in Gadao’s cave were painted by the legendary chief of Inarajan, Gadao himself. Many people will call this a hike but note it’s actually a very short walk from the main road. In recent years people have vandalized the cave. Respect the local history by enjoying the art but leave none of your own behind.
5. Historical Site – Fort Soladad – Humåtak, Guam
During the Acapulco – Manila Galleon Trade (1565 – 1815), Guam served as an essential resupply stop. Due to this, Spain built four forts in the Humatak area to protect their trading interest. Fort Soledad is the only one that remains. She is perched atop a bluff known locally as Chalan Aniti, or Path of the Ancestors. This leads me to believe this bluff probably served an important role prior to Spanish colonization. I have reached out to the Humåtak’s Mayor’s Office for more information. I will update this article when I learn more.
This post was all about Guam’s most interesting Historical sites.
RELATED READING
RESOURCES
Ancient CHamoru Cave Art. Guampedia. (2022, December 28). https://www.guampedia.com/chamorro-cave-art/
Latte’s Significance. Guampedia. (2023, February 07). https://www.guampedia.com/lattes-significance/
Fort Soledad. Guampedia. (2023, February 07). https://www.guampedia.com/fort-soledad/
