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Trading with Foreigners Becomes Widespread throughout Micronesia
Traders were in Micronesia at the same time as the whalers and missionaries, but it was around 1860 that trading activity became more widespread. Germans, Japanese and American traders mostly operated in the Marianas, the Marshalls, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap and Palau. Chuuk had fewer traders.
Palomo Ordained as First CHamoru Catholic Priest
Jose Torres Palomo is ordained as the first CHamoru Catholic priest. His parents died during the Smallpox epidemic in 1856 along with 5,532 others on Guam. Palomo was widely regarded as one of the wisest and most educated men on Guam and was fluent in Spanish, CHamoru, English, French, and Carolinian.
Protestant Missionaries Arrive in Pohnpei
American protestant missionaries arrive in Pohnpei. Congregational Churches were established on Pohnpei, Kosrae, the Marshalls and Kiribati. By the end of the century Congregational Churches were established throughout eastern Micronesia along with the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati.
Trading Mission from Australia to Pohnpei
Captain C.H. Hart and his crew sail to Sapwuahfik, Pohnpei aboard Lampton of Sydney, Australia, on a trading mission. Hart and his crew were chased off the island. A year later, they returned. Two days of fighting left most of the islanders dead.
Duperrey Documents Kosrae, Chuuk
French Captain Louis Duperrey at Kosrae arrives on a scientific expedition aboard the ship Coquille. He and his crew stay in Kosrae for ten days. They bring the first pig and metal to the island. When Duperrey’s expedition leaves Kosrae, it moves to Chuuk, where Duperrey makes the first map of Chuuk.
Mexico Achieves Independence from Spain
The Mexican War of Independence ended the rule of Spain in the territory of New Spain. The move for independence was inspired by the Age of Enlightenment and the American and French Revolutions. Social and political changes and a deep economic crisis in New Spain caused discomfort among the elite.
Whaling Ships Frequent Micronesia
Whaling ships begin to appear in Micronesia, stopping on Guam for supplies and recruiting crew. Whales were hunted near Kosrae, Pohnpei, the Northern Marianas and the Marshalls for about 40 years.
Freycinet Documents Life in the Marianas
Frenchman Louis Claude de Freycinet visits the Marianas, documenting the lifestyle, plants, animals of the time.
Russian Expedition Visits Marshalls
Russian Otto von Kotzebue leads a scientific expedition through the Marshalls. He stays for a month on the atoll of Wojja and leaves plants and animals with the islanders there.
Trading Resumes Between Carolines and Guam
Ancient trading voyages from the Carolines to Guam are resumed after more than 100 years. Carolinians from the atolls of Lamotrek, Satawal, Elato, and Woleai sailed into Talofofo Bay in Guam. Luwito, the Carolinian navigator, said they had arrived in Guam using directions from an ancient chant.