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Guam’s American Colonial Era
The taking of Guam by the Americans on June 20, 1898 during the Spanish American War heralded the beginning of significant change, once again, for the CHamoru people. The Americans brought not only a new style of governance with an emphasis on separation of church and state, but also imposed economic restrictions and issued many rules administered by an ever changing Naval administrator, most of whom only stayed for a year or two. Each Naval governor had his own ideas about how things should be and ordered the CHamorus to comply. CHamorus were not U.S. citizens and had no recourse, as the Naval governor was also the court.
Puntan and Fu’una
Puntan and Fu’una, brother and sister, are the CHamoru creation gods.
The account of their creation of the world constitutes one of the most
important oral histories of the CHamoru people. According to the
CHamoru people, a very long time ago, Puntan and Fu’una devised a plan
in which their supernatural forces would be put to extremely powerful
use.
Hafa Adai and Welcome!
Guampedia, Guam’s Online Encyclopedia, exists to inform a global audience of the unique history, culture, environment and present-day society of the Pacific Island of Guam.
Guampedia provides a comprehensive, accessible, quality resource that increases opportunities for greater understanding and knowledge about Guam by people everywhere.
Guampedia will always be a work in progress as history unfolds and technology allows.
Featured Content
Flying Proas
The CHamoru people made outrigger sailing vessels that flew like birds
according to early visitors. Visitors to the islands in the 16th
through 18th centuries were amazed by their speed and agility. read more
Latte
Latte is a CHamoru term that refers to stone pillars and cup-shaped
capitals or capstones, which represent house supports and are ascribed
to the ancient people of the Mariana Islands. read more
Timeline
Guam’s American Colonial Era
The taking of Guam by the Americans on June 20, 1898 during the Spanish American War heralded the beginning of significant change, once again, for the CHamoru people. The Americans brought not only a new style of governance with an emphasis on separation of church and state, but also imposed economic restrictions and issued many rules administered by an ever changing Naval administrator, most of whom only stayed for a year or two. Each Naval governor had his own ideas about how things should be and ordered the CHamorus to comply. CHamorus were not U.S. citizens and had no recourse, as the Naval governor was also the court.
Puntan and Fu’una
Puntan and Fu’una, brother and sister, are the CHamoru creation gods.
The account of their creation of the world constitutes one of the most
important oral histories of the CHamoru people. According to the
CHamoru people, a very long time ago, Puntan and Fu’una devised a plan
in which their supernatural forces would be put to extremely powerful
use.
Hafa Adai and Welcome!
Guampedia, Guam’s Online Encyclopedia, exists to inform a global audience of the unique history, culture, environment and present-day society of the Pacific Island of Guam.
Guampedia provides a comprehensive, accessible, quality resource that increases opportunities for greater understanding and knowledge about Guam by people everywhere.
Guampedia will always be a work in progress as history unfolds and technology allows.
Featured Content
Flying Proas
The CHamoru people made outrigger sailing vessels that flew like birds
according to early visitors. Visitors to the islands in the 16th
through 18th centuries were amazed by their speed and agility. read more
Latte
Latte is a CHamoru term that refers to stone pillars and cup-shaped
capitals or capstones, which represent house supports and are ascribed
to the ancient people of the Mariana Islands. read more
Timeline