• A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Pan American clippers brought mail, cargo, businessmen, celebrities, and reporters to Guam. Photo from the US Naval Institute Proceedings courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2010, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • The cross seen at the far right still stands at the site of the former Santa Guadalupe Church site in Sumay. Photo courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • SANT RITA, Guam (April 14, 2012) Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, Commander Joint Region Marianas, and Toni Ramirez, a island historian, look over Pre-World War II photos of Sumai Village which was once located where Naval Base Guam now sits. Photo courtesy of US Navy Base Guam's Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • In 1935 Pan Am Clipper airplanes came to Guam bringing travelers from around the world and creating new jobs. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan American Historical Foundation
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • Back to Sumay April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • Pan America Airways Hotel in 1935 is surrounded by coconut trees. The hotel fronted Apra harbor priving guests with a scenic mountain view. Paul Carano/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • Santa Rita today is populated by residents of the pre-war village of Sumay (now federal property) and their descendants. This memorial in the middle of Santa Rita is dedicated to the Sumay villagers and people who died during the war. Raph Unpingco/Guampedia
  • Guampedia.com
  • Drawing at Back to Sumay April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The wrecked town of Sumay on Guam Island in the Marianas when marines recapture it. The ruins give indication of the fierce fighting that took place. In the background is Cabras Island. 1944. National Archives/Micronesian Seminar
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • SANT RITA, Guam (April 14, 2012) Visitors to Naval Base Guam listen as Father Eric Forbes conducts holy Mass in near what was once Sumai Village. Photo courtesy of US Navy Base Guam's Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley
  • A village scene of Sumay developed into a commercial and financial hub during the 19th century. Photo from the courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A Pan American clipper lays docked on the waters of Sumay, 1935. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan American Historical Foundation
  • Guampedia.com
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • This historic photo shows thatched homes in the village of Sumay. Several of the residents were relocated to Santa Rita after WWII. Charles D. Lemkuhl/Micronesian Seminar
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2012, the event was held April 14. Photo courtesy of US Navy Base Guam's Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley
  • Guampedia.com
  • Guampedia.com
  • Guampedia
  • Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • Guampedia
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2010, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • Postmaster James H. Underwood, left, and Pan American airport manager I.P. Gregory with the first airmail delivered to Guam, 1930. Photo from the Pan American Airways courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A distant view of the Pan American compound including the hotel, 1935. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan American Historical Foundation
  • Drawing from Back to Sumai April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • The Cushing family came to Guam shortly after World War II to entertain the troops. They stayed, and shared their love of fun with the island. Cushing family
  • Santa Rita’s village name is taken from its patron saint, St. Rita of Cascia. The village was established in 1945 to accommodate the residents of Sumay village on Orote Peninsula who were evicted by Japanese occupying forces and the US Navy during World War II. William D. Pesch
  • Historic photo display at Back to Sumay April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • Cutting away bank to right of Sumay channel. Looking northwest. 5/18/21 National Archives/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • Guampedia
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2012, the event was held April 14. Photo courtesy of US Navy Base Guam's Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley
  • Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • Guampedia.com
  • Sumay Channel construction 1921. National Archives/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Naval personnel operating a cement mixer for the Sumay storehouse, 1921. National Archives/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Ruins of Sumay, on Apra harbor, Guam. Church in right foreground. 1 August 1944. National Archives/Micronesian Seminar
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Reverend Joaquin Sablan and his wife at a Pan Am party. Capuchin Order, Guam/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Military personnel were only commonly seen in Hagåtña and Sumay before World War II. The Naval Station in Sumay can be seen in the background. Photo from the Naval Historical Center courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • Sumay April 1921. Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Sumay Arial 1921. Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The transpacific cable company's offices were on the outskirts of Sumay village. Guam Recorder/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • The Pan American flight crew are greeted at the Pan American Hotel by military personnel, 1935. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan American Historical Foundation
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Radio compass house under construction. Dec. 1921. Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)/National Archives
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • Sumay was a bustling village before World War II. Residents of Sumay were relocated Santa Rita and Toto/Mongmong after the war to make way for the Navy base. Guam Museum
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Guam transpacific cable company expanded its facilities to become self sustaining in 1904. Photo from Julia Martinez courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Sumay aerial. Photo from the Sanchez Collection courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • At the dock, Guam Congress members, military personnel and Pan American crew, 1935. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan American Historical Foundation
  • The Pan American Hotel, located at Sumay, allowed travelers a place to rest between flights. Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Circa 1930s. The Guam Museum
  • The composition of the Guam Hymn was greatly influenced by pre-World War II Guam during the Naval Era. Naval Governor Henry B. Price observes the students of Sumay school. Photo courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • Guampedia.com
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2010, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Sumay village was the location of the Pan American Airway and Hotel before World War II. Photo from the Naval Historical Center courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Interior of the Sumay school between 1924 - 1925. It was renamed William J. Maxwell School by Gov. Willis Bradley, 1930. Photo courtesy of James Oelke-Farley from the National Archives.
  • SANT RITA, Guam (April 14, 2012) Students from Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School perform a local dance for friends and family on Naval Base Guam. Photo courtesy of US Navy Base Guam's Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • 1921, construction site of the Naval Sumay storehouse. National Archives/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2018, the event was held April 7. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Aerial Photograph of hangar Runway, Sumay Guam June 1921. Property of the United States Air Force and the Andersen Wing History Office
  • Kerri Ann Borja
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The first Pan American clipper plane brought Father Eugenio and Father Blas to Guam in 1935. Spanish Capuchin Collection/Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC)
  • Drawing from Back to Sumai April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A view of the Transpacific Cable Station with Apra Harbor in the background, shortly before Japanese invasion in 1941. Photo from the US Naval Institute courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Drawing from Back to Sumai April 8, 2017. US Naval Base Guam. Guampedia
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2015, the event was held April 11. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • In 1926 Pedro Martinez went into the wholesale business and formed Pedro’s Construction Company, which built Guam’s first hotel, the Pan American Hotel in Sumay. R.O.D. Sullivan/Pan Am Historical Foundation
  • A view of the Commercial Pacific Cable Company in Sumay village in the early 1900s. Photo from the Sanchez collection courtesy of Don Farrell.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Guampedia.com
  • The Back to Sumai day event held annually for former residents and their descendants. In 2016, the event was held April 9. Photo courtesy of Edward B. San Nicolas.
  • Guampedia.com
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • A slideshow presentation of photographs of Sumay courtesy of Toni "Malia" Ramirez.
  • Japanese flag over the Marine Barracks in Sumai. Photo courtesy of the War in the Pacific.

To view images please visit our Sumai Gallery in Flickr or the entries Back to Sumai Event and the Sumai Photographic Presentation.

Ancient Chamorro settlement

Sumai/Sumay’s history dates before the Spanish colonial period, although not much is known about its pre-contact history. Findings in a cave complex in the old village site suggest that ancient Chamorros dwelled in them long before the Spanish first arrived. When the Spanish proclaimed Guam as theirs, Sumai’s chieftain was said to be among those who held strong opposition to the Spanish colonizers, although the Spanish government eventually gained control. Sumai, like other villages, became centered around the Catholic church.

The Spaniards kept a settlement at Sumai, and its easy access to San Luis de Apra Harbor made it a favorite anchorage town for whalers and other sailors. Sumai grew into a thriving little port town in the 1800s. The Spaniards fortified the high cliffs behind the village and other points to protect the harbor. The guns were in disrepair, however, when the Americans sailed into Apra to capture Guam without resistance during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The Americans also fortified the same cliff line after World War I and stationed a Marine Corps Aircraft Squadron in the area because of suspicions of Japan, which had gained the Northern Marianas after the war. However, the US dismantled the fortifications in Guam in the early 1920s.

Much of the Naval shipping operations were situated along this coastal village when the American government took over. The Trans-Pacific Cable Company anchored its station at Sumai in 1903, linking Guam with both Asia and the United States. Pan American Airways landed its China Clipper at Sumai in 1935, and built Guam’s first hotel there.

A seawall that surrounded the coastline was constructed to protect it from the pounding waves, and many of the residents enjoyed fishing and swimming along the coast every day. The Maxwell School was also constructed in the early 1930s, a small building that educated most of the children of the area. As of the 1920 census, the population of Sumai was 1,209, the second-highest population after Hagåtña. In 1923, the village became the site of Guam’s first golf course, the Sumai Golf Links, with 18 holes.

Sumai’s well-known representative in the Guam House of Assembly was Antonio B. Won Pat, a schoolteacher whose family was from the village. Won Pat became speaker of the House of Assembly in 1948 and would go on to become the first speaker of the new Guam Legislature in 1951 and Guam’s first delegate to US Congress in the 1960s – and the island’s most influential politician for several decades. Won Pat’s successor as Guam delegate to the US Congress, Gen. Ben Blaz, was also from Sumai.

People flee the Japanese

Because military shipping and communications centered around Sumai, it was one of the first areas to be bombed when the Japanese attacked on 8 December 1941. The people of Sumai fled and scattered inland to their small ranches in the jungles, with many families becoming separated. The entire population of Sumai was promptly evicted by the Japanese in the first few days of occupation to make room for a Japanese garrison, and five Chamorro girls were raped by Japanese troops in the takeover. The residents were eventually moved from camp to camp by the Japanese, some as far as Malesso’ and Manenggon hills in Yona.

Navy takes village for base

After World War II was over the Navy did not allow the Sumai residents to reclaim their homes, saying they needed the property for US Naval Base, Guam. The former Sumai residents were eventually relocated to the newly created village of Sånta Rita-Sumai. All that remains of Sumai Village is a cross from the Catholic Church, the cemetery and remains of a few of the structures.

By Leo Babauta

Photo courtesy of Kerri Ann Borja.

For further reading

National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. “Guam | NCSHPO.” Directory.

e-Publications

Fanhasso I Taotao Sumai

Displacement, Dispossession and Survival in Guam

By James Perez Viernes, PhD

Editor’s note:Following is a masters thesis written by James Perez Viernes from University of Hawai`i in 2008. It is a comprehensive history of the village of Sumai with accounts by former Sumai residents. To cite as a reference please use: Viernes, James Perez. “Fanhasso I Taotao Sumay: Displacement, Dispossession and Survival in Guam.” Master’s Thesis, University of Hawai`i, 2008.

Sumay Park

Videos

Voices of Our Elders: Taotao Sumay

Hasso’: Taotao Sumay

Hasso’: Atan Tano

Timeline: Sumai to Sånta Rita-Sumai

I Hinanao Taotao Sumai

  • 1819  Map from Freycinet expedition describes Apra as a village and Sumai (“Soumaye”) as a “farm.” Additionally, Sumai is referred to as a barrio or neighborhood of Hågat. Sumai farmer Luis de Torres, a mestizo informant for Freycinet, offers this area as a base station for scientific research.
  • 1831  Population of Sumai and Hågat: 222.
  • 1853  Spanish Captain of the Port establishes his station at Sumai.
  • 1856  Smallpox epidemic kills over half of Guam’s population, and the Catholic mission in Pago is relocated to Sumai. A statue of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, believed to have been brought to Guam by San Vitores in 1668, is presented to the residents who adopt the Virgin of Guadalupe as their patroness.
  • 1870  School for boys and girls built in Sumai.
  • 1886  Guam population: 1,878; Sumai: 471.
  • 1897  Population of Sumai and Hågat: 1,325.
  • 1898  US Captain Henry Glass raises the US flag at Fort Santa Cruz during Spanish-American War, claiming Guam for the United States. The American Administration of Guam falls under the authority of the US Navy.
  • 1901  US map of Sumai and Orote peninsula shows residential blocks with about 50 houses, seven streets and inland coconut groves. Two roads connect Sumai with Orote point and Dadi Beach. Aside from Hagåtña, most American colonists lived in Sumai. The Sumai-Hagåtña road connecting the two villages is the first asphalt road on the island.
  • 1903  US-based Pacific Commercial Cable Company begins construction of cable station, connecting Guam to Midway, Yap, the Philippines and Yokohama.
  • 1912  The Sumai cut off road is built to shorten the distance between the cable station and naval facilities, as well as to make travel to and through Sumai easier. Apra Harbor is closed to most foreign commercial vessels in the interest of US security.
  • 1914  A Marine detachment for island defense arrives and moves into tents in Sumai village.
  • 1921  US Marine Barracks construction is completed on the plateau above Sumai; work begins on a hangar, sea ramps and a shop building.
  • 1922  Dredged materials from Apra Harbor are placed along the coastline of Sumai. The village no longer occupies the shoreline.
  • 1923  First golf course in Guam is opened at Sumai.
  • 1931  US Marine presence reduced to 10 officers and 121 enlisted men.
  • 1935  Pan American Airways Clipper service acquires rights to use former Marine Aviation facilities at Sumai. Sumai becomes not only a home to the US Marine Barracks, but also boasts a floating dry dock, the seawall, the Standard Oil Company’s storage tanks, and the Maxwell School for elite boys and girls.
  • 1936  Pan American Airways builds a 20-room hotel in Sumai called Skyways Inn to accommodate world travelers.
  • 1941  Sumai population: 1,997. It is the second most populated village in Guam, next to Hagåtña.
  • 8 December 1941  Sumai is the first village in Guam to be bombed by Japanese invading forces. The people of Sumai take refuge in nearby ranches, primarily in Apla (near present-day Navy Exchange and Commissary.
  • 1942-44  Japanese forces remove Sumai residents for the construction of an airfield on Orote; US Marine barracks and village residences are used as housing for Japanese soldiers. The people of Sumai are forbidden to return to their village without permission. Santa Marian Guadalupe Church is converted to an auditorium and meetinghouse.
  • 28 July 1944  US Marines destroy Japanese defenses on Orote. Much of Sumai is reduced to rubble.
  • July 1944 The people of Sumai living in Apla are forced to march to the Manenggon Valley concentration camp in anticipation of the American recapture of Guam. Thirty-four people from Sumai and Hågat are herded into caves at Fena and killed with grenades by the Japanese.
  • 21 July 1944  American military forces recapture Guam from the Japanese. Shortly after, the people of Sumai are transferred from Manenggon to a camp at Hågat.
    • While Sumai remains off limits to its residents, the residents eventually make their way back to Apla, building make-shift homes as they await permission to return to their village.
    • The US military secures Sumai as a base to coordinate attacks against Japan. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz requests 75,700 acres, or 55% of the island’s land for military use. Sumai in its entirety is included in this request.
  • 1945  Sumai residents living in Apla are given two resettlement options by the US military: move to Hågat, or move to a temporary refugee camp. The people of Sumai chose the second option.
  • 1945-1946  The people of Sumai slowly begin moving from Apla to the “temporary refugee camp of Sånta Rita.” The area is undeveloped with no roads, running water, or electricity. Farming is almost impossible because of the hilly terrain, and the inland location makes fishing difficult.
  • 1946  US Congress passes Public Law 594: The Guam Acquisition of Lands Act authorizing the US Navy to acquire any and all land necessary for use by the United States.
  • 1948  Civil Case No. 5-49 is filed in the Superior Court of Guam. Known as the “Declaration of Taking,” the case declares that Sumai in its entirety, as well as parts of Piti and Hågat, would be seized by the US military. In total, 2,471 acres of land is acquired from Chamorro landowners, with little or no compensation. In Sumai, a total of 345 privately and commercially owned lots of land are taken; hundreds of villagers are permanently exiled from their village.
  • 1952  Fr. Mel McCormack and the people of Sånta Rita complete construction of the Sånta Rita church. The people of Sånta Rita dedicate the new church to the former patroness of Sumai, Our Lady of Guadalupe, while Sånta Rita is adopted as a co-patroness of the village.
  • 1961  Former Sumai residents are allowed to return to the Sumai Cemetery on All Souls’ Day after twenty years of being forbidden to celebrate the holiday there.
  • 1972  The Guam Legislature adopts a resolution recognizing the suffering of the people of Sumai during World War II and its aftermath. Construction of a 200-acre housing subdivision in Sånta Rita to be called “New Sumai” begins to help the people of Sumai develop their new community. This area presently is referred to as the Santa Rosa Subdivision, or Hyundai.
  • 1983  Sumai Memorial Park is dedicated at the site of the former Santa Marian Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sumai.
  • 1988  Sånta Rita-Sumai Peace Memorial monument is constructed in the center of the village across the street from the church to commemorate the people of Sumai and their establishment of a new community in  Sånta Rita-Sumai.