Editing Pago Pago, American Samoa (section)

== History ==
{{See also|Tutuila#History}}

Pago Pago was first settled 4,000 years ago.<ref>Stahl, Dean A. and Karen Landen (2001). ''Abbreviations Dictionary''. CRC Press. Page 1451. {{ISBN|9781420036640}}.</ref> The area was initially settled by Polynesian navigators, who established a vibrant community rooted in agriculture, fishing, and the distinct cultural practices of Samoan society.<ref name="Pago Pago 2024 Page 2"/> There is archeological evidence of people living in the Pago Pago Valley at least 1500–1300 years ago.<ref>Sand, Christophe and David J. Addison (2008). ''Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Fiji/West-Polynesia Region''. Department of Anthropology, Gender and Sociology. [[University of Otago]]. Dunedin: New Zealand. Page 93. {{ISBN|978-0-473-14586-6}}.</ref> The ancient people of Tutuila produced clay pottery known as Samoan Plainware. The majority of these open bowls had plain designs and featured rounded bases. Such pottery has been retrieved from sites in Pago Pago, including at [[Vaipito Valley|Vaipito]]. The production of such pottery ceased approximately 1500 years ago.<ref>Craig, Peter (2009). ''Natural history guide to American Samoa''. [[National Park of American Samoa]]. Page 19. Retrieved on January 20, 2024, from https://www.nps.gov/npsa/learn/education/upload/NatHistGuideAS09.pdf.</ref><ref>Sand, Christophe and David J. Addison (2008). ''Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Fiji/West-Polynesia Region''. Department of Anthropology, Gender and Sociology. [[University of Otago]]. Dunedin: New Zealand. Page 110. {{ISBN|978-0-473-14586-6}}.</ref> A site in the Vaipito Valley has also revealed more substantial elements, such as constructions made from rocks, like house foundations and terraces (lau mafola).<ref>Rieth, Tim (2008). How Dark Are They? The Samoan Dark Ages, ~1500-1000 BP. Retrieved on January 20, 2024, from https://www.academia.edu/1758604/How_Dark_Are_They_The_Samoan_Dark_Ages_1500-1000_BP.</ref><ref>Sand, Christophe and David J. Addison (2008). ''Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Fiji/West-Polynesia Region''. Department of Anthropology, Gender and Sociology. [[University of Otago]]. Dunedin: New Zealand. Page 91. {{ISBN|978-0-473-14586-6}}.</ref>

Ceramic findings have been retrieved at Vaipito, an inland area within Pago Pago village. A deposit here is thought to be an old hill-slope below a living area where people threw away their waste. Numerous large ceramic pieces have been retrieved here. The layer with the ceramics dates back to the time between 350 BCE and 10 CE. Another site, Fo’isia, is located approximately 100 meters from Vaipito, at the same elevation inland in Pago Pago. During sewer line construction, the [[American Samoa Power Authority]] noticed many broken pieces of clay pottery. Five dates associated with the ceramics indicate a time range between 370 BCE and 130 CE.<ref>Sand, Christophe and David J. Addison (2008). ''Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Fiji/West-Polynesia Region''. Department of Anthropology, Gender and Sociology. [[University of Otago]]. Dunedin: New Zealand. Page 103. {{ISBN|978-0-473-14586-6}}.</ref>

===Tongan rule===
The island of Tutuila was part of the [[Tuʻi Tonga Empire]] from the invasion around 950 CE to when Tongans were expelled in [[1250]]. According to Samoan folklore, a warrior from Pago Pago, Fua’au, is associated with driving the Tongans out of Tutuila. According to the legend, Fua’au's fiancé, Tauoloasi’i, was kidnapped and taken to Tonga while sleeping on an exquisite mat known as Moeilefuefue. Filled with anger at the loss of his fiancé and the renowned mat, Fua’au rallied the Tutuilans, encouraging them to revolt against the Tongan rule imposed by [[Lautivunia]].<ref>Pearl, F. B. (2004). The Chronology of Mountain Settlements on Tutuila, American Samoa. [[The Journal of the Polynesian Society]], 113(4), 331–348. Page 334. Retrieved on January 21, 2024, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20707242.</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://samoanmythology.net/ts-tongan-war-in-tutuila/ | title=TS Tongan War in Tutuila : Samoan Mythology }}</ref>

During the period of Tongan rule, political opponents and defeated Samoan warriors were exiled to Pago Pago. The surrounding settlements effectively functioned as a Samoan penal colony. In response to the oppression, the Samoans, under the leadership of paramount chief [[Malietoa]], eventually revolted against their Tongan rulers.<ref>Todd, Ian (1974). ''Island Realm: A Pacific Panorama''. Angus & Robertson. Page 69. {{ISBN|978-0-207-12761-8}}.</ref> According to one source, it was Chief Fua’autoa of Pago Pago who successfully expelled the Tongans from Pago Pago.<ref>Krämer, Augustin (1994). ''The Samoa Islands: Constitution, pedigrees and traditions''. [[University of Hawaiʻi Press]]. Page 436. {{ISBN|978-0-8248-1633-9}}.</ref>

===Old Pago Pago===
Until 1722, Pago Pago, like several other villages in American Sāmoa such as [[Fagasā, American Samoa|Fagasā]] and [[Vatia, American Samoa|Vatia]], existed as a ridge-top settlement. This upland community, now part of the National Park of American Sāmoa, was strategically situated to provide safety during a period marked by inter-island conflicts involving [[Sāmoa]], [[Fiji]], [[Tahiti]], and [[Tonga]]. The elevated location offered protection from coastal raids, as attackers arriving by boat posed a significant threat to shoreline settlements. By 1772, the majority of families had relocated from the highlands to the coast, establishing new homes near the shoreline. However, oral histories indicate that a few households continued to reside or farm in the upland areas into the late 19th century. Archeological findings at the site of Old Pago Pago include ancient rock walls, building foundations, and graves. Some of these graves are believed to belong to chiefs or ceremonial figures, such as a ''taupou'' (a ceremonial maiden), with legends suggesting one may have been interred in a bonito boat. The remnants of Old Pago Pago are accessible via the [[Mount ‘Alava]] Trailhead at [[Fagasā Pass]], just west of [[Vaipito Valley]].<ref>Linnekin, Jocelyn, Hunt, Terry, Lang, Lang and McCormick, Timothy (November 2006). "Ethnographic Assessment and Overview: National Park of American Samoa". Technical Report 152. Pacific Cooperative Parks Study Unit. [[University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa]].</ref>

When Westerners first visited Tutuila, the Mauga was the leading matai (chief) of Pago Pago.<ref>Lutali, A.P. and William J. Stewart. The Chieftal System in Twentieth Century America: Legal Aspects of the Matai System in the Territory of American Samoa.  4 Ga. J. Int’l & Compar. L. 387 (1974). Page 390. Retrieved on January 20, 2024, from https://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/gjicl/vol4/iss2/8/.</ref>

===19th century===
[[File:PAGO_PAGO_BAY.png|thumb|right|250px|An 1896 illustration of Pago Pago.]]
[[File:American Naval Base, Samoan Islands.png|thumb|right|250px|From 1878 to 1951, it was a [[Coaling station|coaling]] and repair station for the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]], known as [[United States Naval Station Tutuila|US Naval Station Tutuila]].]]
[[File:A glimpse of the isles of the Pacific (1907) (14780577521).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Boatmen in Pago Pago, 1907]]
[[File:Pago_Pago,_Samoa_LOC_15482942648.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pago Pago as seen in the early 1900s]]
[[File:HHMS_Kaimiloa_anchored_at_Honolulu_Harbor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|HHMS ''[[Kaimiloa]]'' in 1887]]
[[File:Карта_к_статье_«Панго-Панго»._Военная_энциклопедия_Сытина_(Санкт-Петербург,_1911-1915).jpg|thumb|right|250px|1914 map of Pago Pago]]
In 1791, Captain [[Edward Edwards (Royal Navy officer)|Edward Edwards]], leading the British warship HMS ''[[HMS Pandora (1779)|Pandora]]'' in the pursuit of the [[Bounty mutineers]], arrived at Pago Pago Harbor. During their search, the crew stumbled upon a French military uniform belonging to one of [[Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse|Pérouse]]’s men, who had been killed at [[Aʻasu, American Samoa|Aʻasu]] in 1787.<ref>U.S. National Park Service (1988). “National Park Feasibility Study: American Samoa”. Page 29. Retrieved on December 23, 2024, from https://npshistory.com/publications/npsa/feasibility-study.pdf</ref><ref>Salmond, Anne (2011). ''Bligh: William Bligh in the South Seas''. [[Penguin Books Limited]]. {{ISBN|978-1-74228-781-2}}.</ref>

In 1824, [[Otto von Kotzebue]] is believed to have discovered the entrance to [[Pago Pago Harbor]], according to one source.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Page 68. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref>

In 1836, the English whaler ''Elizabeth'', captained by Cuthbert, became the first European vessel to enter Pago Pago Harbor. Captain Cuthbert is credited with ‘discovering’ Pago Pago and naming it Cuthbert Harbor.<ref>Knox, Thomas W. (1889). ''The Boy Travellers Australasia''. Page 140.</ref>

In the 1830s, two missionaries were assigned to Tutuila Island: Reverend Archibald W. Murray and his wife to Pago Pago and Reverend Barnden to [[Leone, American Samoa|Leone]]. They landed at [[Fagasā, American Samoa|Fagasa Bay]] and hiked over the hill to the High Chief Mauga in Pago Pago. Mauga welcomed the missionaries and gave them support. RMS {{ship|RMS|Dunottar Castle||2}} later moved to Pago Pago, becoming the second ship to enter [[Pago Pago Harbor]].<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|79–80}} Under the auspices of Maunga, Murray established a wooden residence in Pago Pago, where he endeavored to exemplify Christian living.<ref>Neems, Hugh (2014). ''Beyond The Reef''. Page 19. {{ISBN|978-1-291-73914-5}}.</ref><ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Page 38. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref>

In 1834, [[Matthew Hunkin]] arrived in Pago Pago and served as a companion to Archibald Murray, both residing under the patronage of High Chief Mauga. Together, they conducted visits to villages situated along the eastern end of Tutuila. Subsequently, both men relocated to [[Leone, American Samoa|Leone]], where Murray undertook preparations to establish the [[Mission Institute for Pacific Islanders]] at [[Fagalele Boys School|Fagatele]], situated on the outskirts of Leone.<ref>Neems, Hugh (2016). ''A Vision Shared''. George Lambert. Page 45. {{ISBN|978-0-9557282-3-5}}.</ref>

Beginning in 1836, whaling vessels started calling at [[Pago Pago Harbor]], quickly transforming it into a favored stopover. Crews found it to be a secure place to rest, take on supplies, and carry out repairs. As of 1866, whalers no longer visited the Samoan Islands as whaling activities had shifted farther north.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Pages 2, 144 and 183. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref>

In 1837, Tutuila’s chiefs and Captain [[Charles Bethune]] of H.M.S. ''[[HMS Conway (1832)|Conway]]'' reached an agreement on Pago Pago’s first documented commercial port regulations, finalized on December 27 of that year.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Pages 147 and 149. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref><ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Pages 40-41. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref>

On May 9, 1838, the [[London Missionary Society]] established a church in Pago Pago.<ref>Sorensen, Stan and Theroux, Joseph. The Samoan Historical Calendar, 1606-1997. Government of American Samoa. Page 113.</ref><ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Page 41. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref><ref>Aitaoto, Fuimaono Fini (2021). ''Progress and Developments of the Churches in the Samoan Islands: Early 21St Century''. LifeRich Publishing. Page 96. {{ISBN|978-1-4897-3586-7}}.</ref>

In 1839, the Sāmoan Islands experienced its first recorded [[epidemic]], which resulted in the death of High Chief Mauga of Pago Pago. After his passing, Manuma assumed the title.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Page 112. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref><ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Pages 41-42. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref> After the death of his stepbrother Pomale, Manuma provoked controversy within the Christian community by eloping with Pomale's widow. As a result, the ''aiga'' deposed him from his position. Nevertheless, Manuma was later reinstated, and he presided as the Mauga of Pago Pago until his death in 1849.<ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Page 43. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref>

As early as 1839, American interest was generated for the Pago Pago area when Commander [[Charles Wilkes]], head of the [[United States Exploring Expedition]], surveyed Pago Pago Harbor and the island. Wilkes' favorable report attracted so much interest that the U.S. Navy began planning a move to the Pago Pago area. During his time in Pago Pago, Wilkes negotiated a set of “Commercial Regulations” with the matais of Pago Pago under the leadership of Paramount Ali'i Mauga. Wilkes' treaty was never ratified, but captains and Samoan leaders operated by it.<ref> Sunia, Fofō Iosefa Fiti (2001). ''Puputoa: Host of Heroes - A record of the history makers in the First Century of American Samoa, 1900-2000''. Suva, Fiji: Oceania Printers. Page 183. {{ISBN|982-9036-02-2}}.</ref> Rumors of possible annexation by Britain or Germany were taken seriously by the U.S., and the U.S. Secretary of State [[Hamilton Fish]] sent Colonel [[Albert Steinberger]] to negotiate with Samoan chiefs on behalf of American interests.<ref>Freeman, Donald B. (2010). ''The Pacific''. Routledge. Page 167. {{ISBN|9780415775724}}.</ref> American interest in Pago Pago was also a result of Tutuila's central position in one of the world's richest whaling grounds.

On August 8, 1844, [[Archibald Wright Murray]] wrote a letter recounting how the Tutuilans, at one point, prepared to vacate their settlements and negotiate with the French while taking refuge in the highlands. Recognizing Pago Pago Harbor as the island’s most significant lure for European powers, they planned to cede it to [[France]] in return for a pledge safeguarding Tutuila’s independence.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Page 125. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref>

In 1871, the local [[Steamship|steamer]] business of W. H. Webb required coal and he sent Captain E. Wakeman to Samoa in order to evaluate the suitability of Pago Pago as a coaling station. Wakeman approved the harbor and alerted the [[U.S. Navy]] about [[German Empire|Germany]]'s intent to take over the area. The U.S. Navy responded a few months later by dispatching Commander [[Richard Meade (equestrian)|Richard Meade]] from [[Honolulu]], Hawaii to assess Pago Pago's suitability as a naval station. Meade arrived in Pago Pago on {{USS|Narragansett|1859|6}} and made a treaty with the Mauga for the exclusive use of the harbor and a set of commercial regulations to govern the trading and shipping in Pago Pago. He also purchased land for a new naval station.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|137–138}} High Chief Mauga of Pago Pago stated his wish for the village to be recognized as Tutuila Island’s capital.<ref>Gilson, Richard Phillip (1970). ''Samoa 1830 to 1900: The Politics of a Multi-cultural Community''. [[Oxford University Press]]. Page 279. {{ISBN|978-0-19-550301-2}}.</ref>

In 1872, the chief of Pago Pago signed a treaty with the U.S., giving the American government considerable influence on the island.<ref>Levi, Werner (1947). ''American-Australian Relations''. University of Minnesota Press. Page 73. {{ISBN|9780816658152}}.</ref> It was acquired by the United States through a treaty in 1877.<ref>Dixon, Joe C. (1980). ''The American Military and the Far East''. Diane Publishing. Page 139. {{ISBN|9781428993679}}.</ref> One year after the naval base was built at [[Pearl Harbor]] in 1887, the U.S. government established a naval station in Pago Pago.<ref>Stanley, George Edwards (2005). ''The Era of Reconstruction and Expansion (1865–1900)''. Gareth Stevens. Page 36. {{ISBN|9780836858273}}.</ref> It was primarily used as a fueling station for both naval- and commercial ships.<ref>Pafford, John (2013). ''The Forgotten Conservative: Rediscovering Grover Cleveland''. Regnery Publishing. Page 61. {{ISBN|9781621570554}}.</ref>

During the [[Tutuila War]] of 1877, all buildings in Pago Pago were destroyed. The war emerged during a tumultuous period, where Samoans were sharply divided over the future direction of their government. In response to the growing threat posed by the Puletua — a rising opposition faction — the Samoan leadership based in [[Apia]] sent [[Le Mamea Makalau|Mamea]] to Washington, D.C. to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. While Mamea was abroad, the Puletua launched a rebellion, escalating the situation into full-scale war in Tutuila. To regain control, government forces stationed in [[Leone, American Samoa|Leone]] advanced toward Pago Pago, where the rebel leader Mauga was headquartered. The troops burned every building in Pago Pago and pursued Mauga along with several hundred followers to [[Aunuʻu, American Samoa|Aunu’u Island]]. The Puletua faction on Tutuila, led by the former U.S. Consul to [[Kingdom of Samoa|Sāmoa]], S. S. Foster, who had moved to Pago Pago after his dismissal, and Mauga, found Aunu’u incapable of supporting their forces. Consequently, they returned to Tutuila where they soon surrendered.<ref>Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). ''Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration''. [[United States Naval Institute]]. Page 65. {{ISBN|978-0-87021-074-7}}.</ref><ref>Pearl, Frederic and Sandy Loiseau-Vonruff (2007). “Father Julien Vidal and the Social Transformation of a Small Polynesian Village (1787–1930): Historical Archaeology at Massacre Bay, American Samoa”. [[International Journal of Historical Archaeology]]. 11(1): pages 37-39. ISSN 1092-7697.</ref>

In 1878, the U.S. Navy first established a coaling station, right outside [[Fagatogo]]. The United States Navy later bought land east of Fagatogo and on Goat Island, an adjacent peninsula. Sufficient land was obtained in 1898 and the construction of [[United States Naval Station Tutuila]] was completed in 1902. The station commander doubled as [[Governor of American Samoa|American Samoa's Governor]] from 1899 to 1905, when the station commandant was designated Naval Governor of American Samoa. [[American Samoa Fono|The Fono]] (legislature) served as an advisory council to the governor.<ref name="Rottman-2002">Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). ''World War II Pacific Island Guide: A Geo-military Study''. Greenwood Publishing Group. {{ISBN|9780313313950}}.</ref>{{rp|84–85}}

Despite the Samoan Islands being a part of the United States, the [[United Kingdom]] and Germany maintained a strong naval presence in the area. Twice between 1880 and 1900, the U.S. Navy came close to taking part in a shooting war while its only true interest was the establishment of a coaling station in Pago Pago. The U.S. quietly purchased land around the harbor for the construction of the naval station. It rented land on Fagatogo Beach for $10/month in order to store the coal. Admiral [[Lewis Kimberly]] was ordered to Pago Pago while in [[Apia]] waiting for transportation home after the hurricane of 1889. In Pago Pago, he selected a site for the new coaling station and naval base. In June 1890, the [[U.S. Congress]] passed an appropriation of $100,000 for the purpose of permanently establishing a station for the naval and commercial marine. With the appropriation, the [[United States State Department|State Department]] sent Consul [[Harold M. Sewall]] from Apia to Pago Pago to buy six tracts of land for the project. Some parts were previously owned by the Polynesian Land Company, while other tracts were still owned by Samoan families. For the defense of the harbor in event of a naval war, the U.S. Navy wanted to purchase headlands and mountainsides above the Lepua Catholic Church which directly faced the harbor's entrance.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|138–139}}

In 1883, a conflict began at [[Pago Pago Bay]] between Mauga Lei and Mauga Manuma. The dispute revolved around the entitlement to the title "Mauga". Mauga Lei's actions led to widespread dissatisfaction among the residents of [[Fagatogo, American Samoa|Fagatogo]] and [[Aua, American Samoa|Aua]], culminating in the [[Taua o Sa’ousoali'i]] conflict. The residents of [[Fagasā, American Samoa|Fagasā]] joined Pago Pago village in an effort to overthrow Mauga Lei and support Manuma. The uprising forced Mauga Lei's forces to [[Aunuʻu, American Samoa|Aunuʻu]]. Mauga Lei, who had a close friendship with King [[Malietoa Laupepa]], secured intervention through two warships to resolve the hostilities. Intervention came in the form of a peace mission led by HMS ''[[HMS Miranda (1879)|Miranda]]'', under Captain [[Sir William Acland, 2nd Baronet|William A. Dyke Acland]], and supported by the German gunboat SMS ''[[SMS Hyäne (1878)|Hyäne]]''. Both Mauga Lei and Mauga Manuma were summoned to a peace conference aboard the HMS ''Miranda''. Both initially resisted boarding the ship but eventually relented after diplomatic pressure. The agreement that followed emphasized reconciliation and required both parties to disarm publicly.<ref>Churchward, William Brown (1887). ''My Consulate in Samoa: A Record of Four Years' Sojourn in the Navigators Islands, with Personal Experiences of King Malietoa Laupepa, His Country and His Men''. [[Richard Bentley and Son]]. Pages 335-346.</ref><ref>Ryan, James and Joan Schwartz (2021). ''Picturing Place: Photography and the Geographical Imagination''. [[Taylor & Francis]]. {{ISBN|978-1-000-54878-5}}.</ref> The conflict led to the deaths of 12 people.<ref>Edwards, Elizabeth (2021). ''Raw Histories: Photographs, Anthropology and Museums''. [[Taylor & Francis]]. {{ISBN|978-1-000-18129-6}}.</ref>

In 1887, the ''[[Kaimiloa]]'', a 171-ton steamer and the only warship in the fleet of [[King Kalākaua]] of [[Hawai‘i]], was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Sāmoan Islands as part of the Hawaiian monarch's initiative to create a united Polynesian kingdom. The journey included visits to several key locations, including Pago Pago, which was an important trading hub at the time. Historical accounts document the trade of the Kaimiloa's cannons to the Samoans, with at least one of these cannons now preserved and on display at the [[Jean P. Haydon Museum]].<ref>Chappell, David A. (2016). ''Double Ghosts: Oceanian Voyagers on Euroamerican Ships''. [[Taylor & Francis]]. {{ISBN|978-1-315-47911-8}}.</ref><ref>Cook, Kealani (2016). ''Return to Kahiki: Native Hawaiians in Oceania''. [[Cambridge University Press]]. Page 95. {{ISBN|978-1-107-19589-9}}.</ref>

In 1889, [[Robert Louis Stevenson]] paid a visit to Pago Pago.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Robert Louis Stevenson|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|date=5 February 2019}}</ref>

On May 27, 1893, a branch of the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS Church]] was established in Pago Pago. The church had first arrived on the island in 1863 and became formally organized on Tutuila in 1888.<ref>Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ''Family and Church History Department (2005). Deseret News 2006 Church Almanac: Joseph’s Journeys''. [[Deseret Book Company]]. Page 285. {{ISBN|978-1-59038-556-2}}.</ref>

In 1898, a [[California]]-based construction and engineering firm was contracted to build the coal depot. The naval engineer in charge was W. I. Chambers. On April 30, 1899, Commander [[Benjamin Franklin Tilley]] sailed from [[Norfolk, Virginia]] on {{USS|Abarenda|AC-13|6}} with a cargo of coal and steel for the project. The U.S. Navy was the only American agency present in the area, and it was made responsible for administering the new territory.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|139–140}}

In 1899, Pago Pago became the [[administrative capital]] of American Samoa.<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pago-Pago|title=Pago Pago {{pipe}} American Samoa|website=Britannica.com|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019061343/https://www.britannica.com/place/Pago-Pago|archive-date=October 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Carpenter, Allan (1993). ''Facts about the Cities''. Wilson. Page 11. {{ISBN|9780924208003}}.</ref> Pago Pago and Tutuila Island were formally part of the [[Kingdom of Samoa]] until 1899, when they became U.S. territory.<ref>Lavatai, Sanele Faasua (2018). ''The Ifoga Ritual in Samoa in Anthropological and in Biblical Perspectives''. Missionshilfe Verlag. Page 116. {{ISBN|978-3-946426-06-6}}.</ref><ref>Tu’u’u, Misilugi Tulifau Tofaeono (2002). ''History of Samoa Islands: Supremacy & Legacy of the Malietoa''. Tuga'ula Publication. Page 427. {{ISBN|978-0-9582199-1-4}}.</ref>

On April 17, 1900, the first [[American flag]] was raised at Sogelau Hill above the site of the new wharf and coaling facilities in Fagatogo. For the ceremony, a group of invitees from [[Apia]] arrived with German Governor Heinrich Solf onboard {{SMS|Cormoran|1892|6}}. USS ''Abarenda'', home of B. F. Tilley and his new government, was in the harbor. American consul Luther W. Osborn arrived from Apia, and many spectators arrived from American Samoa villages and other countries. Tilley was the master of ceremonies and began the program by reading the Proclamation of the President of the United States, which asserted American sovereignty over the islands. Next was the reading of the Order of the Secretary of the Navy, followed by chiefs who read the [[Deed of Cession of Tutuila|Deed of Cession]], which they had written and signed. Before raising the flag, reverend E. V. Cooper of the [[London Missionary Society]] (LMS) and reverend Father Meinaidier of the Roman Catholic Mission offered prayers. Students from the LMS school in [[Fagalele Boys School|Fagalele]] sang the national anthem. The two ships, ''Comoran'' and ''Abarenda'', fired the national salutes.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|145–146}}<ref name="Shaffer-2000"/>{{rp|111}} The [[Deed of Cession of Tutuila]] and [[Aunu'u]] Islands was signed on [[Gagamoe]], and formalized the relationship between the U.S. and American Samoa. Gagamoe is an area in Pago Pago which is the Mauga family's communal and sacred land.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.asbar.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1826:5ASR3d254&catid=85 |title=American Samoa Bar Association |access-date=2019-09-08 |archive-date=2020-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110180207/http://www.asbar.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1826:5ASR3d254&catid=85 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Stoler, Ann Laura and Willy Brandt (2006). ''Haunted by Empire: Geographies of Intimacy in North American History''. Duke University Press. Page 88. {{ISBN|9780822337249}}.</ref>

===20th century===
[[File:SADIE THOMPSON BUILDING.jpg|thumb|right|250px|English author [[W. Somerset Maugham]] stayed at [[Sadie Thompson Inn]] during his 6-week visit to Pago Pago in 1916.]]
[[File:Blunts Point Battery - American Samoa - 1986.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Guns were emplaced at [[Blunts Point Battery|Blunts]] and [[Breakers Point Naval Guns|Breakers Points]] in 1940–42, covering Pago Pago Harbor.]]
[[File:World_War_II_encampments_on_American_Samoa.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Remains of a World War II encampment above [[Utulei, American Samoa|Utulei]].]]
[[File:American_Samoa_tramway_remains.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The historic tramway on the World War II Heritage Trail]]
At the beginning of the 20th century, Pago Pago became American Samoa's [[port of entry]].<ref name="Gray-1980"/>{{rp|179}}

On April 11, 1904, the first public school in American Samoa, called ''Fagatogo'', was established in the [[Naval Station Tutuila|naval station]] area. The school had two teachers and forty students at the time of its opening.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amsamoa.edu/files/archive/ITTProgram.pdf |title=American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Trades & Technology Program (TT&P): "Assessment & Strategic Vision Report" |publisher=American Samoa Community College |page=7 |date=17 April 2005 |access-date=28 November 2022}}</ref>

From December 16, 1916, to January 30, 1917, English author [[W. Somerset Maugham]] and his secretary and lover, [[Gerald Haxton]], visited Pago Pago on their way from [[Hawai'i]] to [[Tahiti]]. Also on board the ship was a passenger named Miss Sadie Thompson, who had been evicted from Hawaii for prostitution. She was later the main character in the popular short story, ''[[Rain (short story)|Rain]]'' (1921), a story of a prostitute arriving in Pago Pago.<ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/03000582.pdf|date=February 2, 2009|title=NFS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 {{pipe}} Thompson, Sadie, Building, Eastern AS|publisher=National Register of Historic Places|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228152712/https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/03000582.pdf|archive-date=February 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Delayed because of a quarantine inspection, they checked into what is now known as [[Sadie Thompson Inn]]. Maugham also met an American sailor here, who later appeared as the title character in another short story, ''Red'' (1921).<ref name="britannica.com"/><ref>Rogal, Samuel J. (1997). ''A William Somerset Maugham Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group''. Page 244. {{ISBN|9780313299162}}.</ref> The Sadie Thompson Inn was added to the [[U.S. National Register of Historic Places]] in 2003.

In 1920, [[Mauga Moi Moi]], the highest ranking chief of Pago Pago, initiated the [[Mau movement in American Samoa|Mau movement]].<ref>Lal, Brij V. and Kate Fortune (2000). ''The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia''. [[University of Hawai'i Press]]. Page 101. {{ISBN|978-0-8248-2265-1}}.</ref>

====First and Second World Wars====
In May 1917, when the U.S. joined [[World War I]], two German ships anchoring in Pago Pago were seized. The 10,000-ton ''Elsass'' was towed to Honolulu and turned over to the U.S. Navy, while its smaller [[gunboat]], ''Solf'', was refitted in Pago Pago and given the name {{USS|Samoa}}. Wireless messaging between Pago Pago and Hawaii was routed through [[Fiji]]. As the British censored all messages through Fiji, the Navy quickly upgraded the facilities to go directly between Pago Pago and Honolulu.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|188}}

On January 10, 1938, the flying boat ''[[Samoan Clipper]]'' exploded just after leaving Pago Pago Harbor. Pilot [[Edwin Musick]] and his crew of six died in the accident.<ref>Stanley, David (1989). ''South Pacific Handbook''. [[Moon Publications]]. Page 358. {{ISBN|978-0-918373-29-8}}.</ref><ref>Cashman, Sean (1989). ''America in the Twenties and Thirties: The Olympian Age of Franklin Delano Roosevelt''. [[NYU Press]]. Page 524. {{ISBN|978-0-8147-7208-9}}.</ref>

Pago Pago was a vital naval base for the U.S. during [[World War II]].<ref>Labor, Earle (2013). ''Jack London: An American Life''. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Page 272. {{ISBN|9781466863163}}.</ref> Limited improvements at the naval station took place in the summer of 1940, which included a [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] airfield at [[Tafuna, American Samoa|Tafuna]]. The new airfield was partly operational by April 1942, and fully operational by June. On March 15, 1941, the Marine Corps' 7th Defense Battalion arrived in Pago Pago and was the first Fleet Marine Force unit to serve in the [[South Pacific Ocean]]. It was also the first such unit to be deployed in defense of an American island. Guns were emplaced at [[Blunts Point Battery|Blunts]] and [[Breakers Point Naval Guns|Breakers Points]], covering Pago Pago Harbor. It trained the only [[United States Marine Corps Reserve|Marine reserve]] unit to serve on active duty during World War II, namely the 1st Samoan Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The battalion mobilized after the attack on Pearl Harbor and remained active until January 1944.<ref name="Rottman-2002"/>{{rp|85–86}}

In January 1942 Pago Pago Harbor was shelled by a [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] [[submarine]], but this was the only battle action on the islands during World War II.<ref>Rill, James C. (2003). ''A Narrative History of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines During the Early History and Deployment of the 1st Marine Division, 1940–43''. Merriam Press. Page 32. {{ISBN|9781576383179}}.</ref> On January 20, 1942, the 2nd Marine Brigade arrived in Pago Pago with about 5,000 men and various supplies of weaponry, including cannons and tanks.<ref>Kennedy, Joseph (2009). ''The Tropical Frontier: America's South Sea Colony''. University of Hawaii Press. Page 207. {{ISBN|9780980033151}}.</ref>

On August 24, 1943, Pago Pago and the [[U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Historic District|U.S. Naval Station]] was visited by First Lady [[Eleanor Roosevelt]].<ref name="usembassy">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.newzealand.usembassy.gov/ambassador/2012/07/eleanor-roosevelt-in-the-pacific/|title=David Huebner - US Ambassador to New Zealand|access-date=November 28, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227065234/http://blogs.newzealand.usembassy.gov/ambassador/2012/07/eleanor-roosevelt-in-the-pacific/|archive-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref><ref name="samoanews">{{cite web |url=http://samoanews.com/local-news/dedication-va-clinic-centerpiece-vp-pence-visit-amsam |website=samoanews.com |title=Dedication of VA Clinic centerpiece of VP Pence visit to AmSam |date=19 April 2017 |access-date=November 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026213828/http://samoanews.com/local-news/dedication-va-clinic-centerpiece-vp-pence-visit-amsam |archive-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 7, 1949, the USS ''[[USS Chehalis (AOG-48)|Chehalis]]'', a World War II oil and gas tanker, exploded and sank in Pago Pago Harbor. It remains the only shipwreck from that era found in the harbor and lies just over 100 feet beneath the current fuel dock. Measuring 90 meters in length, the wreck continues to be considered a source of pollution impacting the water quality as of 2002.<ref>Wright, Dawn J. (2002). ''Undersea with GIS''. [[ESRI Press]]. Page 48. {{ISBN|978-1-58948-016-2}}.</ref><ref>https://npshistory.com/publications/npsa/brochures/naval-ww2-history.pdf</ref>

====1960s====
Pago Pago was an important location for [[NASA]]'s [[Apollo program]] from 1961 to 1972. [[Apollo 10]], [[Apollo 11]], [[Apollo 12]], [[Apollo 13]], [[Apollo 14]] and [[Apollo 17]] landed by Tutuila Island, and the crew flew from Pago Pago to Honolulu on their way back to the mainland.<ref name="tripod">{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/~Tavita_Herdrich/apollosummary.html|website=members.tripod.com|title=Apollo At American Samoa Summary|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref><ref name="nasa">{{cite web|url=http://history.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/a17steen.html|website=history.nasa.gov|title=Kevin Steen|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226001536/https://history.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/a17steen.html|archive-date=December 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Jean P. Haydon Museum]] are displays of an [[Flag of American Samoa|American Samoa-flag]] brought to the Moon in 1969 by Apollo 11, as well as moonstones, all given as a gift to American Samoa by President [[Richard Nixon]] following the return of the Apollo Moon missions.<ref name="fodors">{{cite web|url=http://www.fodors.com/world/australia-and-the-pacific/american-samoa/things-to-do/sights/reviews/jean-p-haydon-museum-584573|title=Jean P. Haydon Museum Review {{pipe}} Fodor's Travel|website=fodors.com|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230753/http://www.fodors.com/world/australia-and-the-pacific/american-samoa/things-to-do/sights/reviews/jean-p-haydon-museum-584573|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum was officially opened in October 1971 with an opening featuring [[Margaret Mead]] as a guest speaker. The [[National Endowment for the Arts]] provided a start-up grant. The most valuable asset was an exquisite mat reputed to be the ''Fala o Futa'', the first important fine mat of Samoa, donated by Senate President HC Salanoa S.P. Aumoeualogo. The other major contribution was a cannon which came off ''[[Kaimiloa]]'', a 171-ton steamer and the only warship in the fleet of [[King Kalakaua]] of Hawai'i. The Hawaiian king sent the ship to the Samoan Islands in an effort at creating a Polynesian kingdom.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|313}}

In 1965, the Tramway at [[Mount {{okina}}Alava]] was constructed as access to the TV transmission equipment on the mountain. It ran from atop Solo Hill at the end of the Togotogo Ridge above [[Utulei, American Samoa|Utulei]]. It ascended {{convert|1.1|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} across [[Pago Pago Harbor]] and landed at the {{convert|1598|ft|abbr=on}} Mount {{okina}}Alava. It was one of the world's longest single-span cablecar routes.<ref name="Swaney-1994"/>{{rp|167}}<ref name="Stanley-2004">Stanley, David (2004). ''Moon Handbooks South Pacific''. David Stanley. {{ISBN|9781566914116}}.</ref>{{rp|475}}<ref>Dalton, Bill and David Stanley (1979). ''South Pacific Handbook''. David Stanley. Page 73. {{ISBN|9780804813136}}.</ref>

President [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] and First Lady [[Lady Bird Johnson]] visited Pago Pago on October 18, 1966. Johnson remains the only U.S. president to have visited American Samoa. [[Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center]] was named in honor of the president.<ref name="ucsb">{{cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=27945|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|title=Lyndon B. Johnson: Remarks Upon Arrival at Tafuna International Airport, Pago Pago, American Samoa.|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525021435/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=27945|archive-date=May 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Landing ahead of the [[Air Force One]] was the press plane that carried seventy news reporters. The two-hour visit was televised throughout the country and the world. Governor H. Rex Lee and traditional leaders crammed ceremonies, entertainment, a brief tour, and a school dedication: the Manulele Tausala, Lady Bird Johnson School. The President gave a speech where he laid out the American policy for its lone South Pacific territory. The President and First Lady returned to American Samoa in December 1966, on their way to Prime Minister's [[Harold Holt]]'s funeral in Australia. Governor [[Owen Aspinall]] offered a quiet welcome as the [[White House]] asked for there to be no ceremonies during the visit. Around 3,000 spectators went to the [[Pago Pago International Airport]] to see the President.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|292}}

In May 1967, Governor [[H. Rex Lee]] signed a law making Pago Pago a [[duty-free]] port. Excise taxes, however, were imposed on automobiles, firearms, luxury goods, and auto parts. The excise tax was heaviest on secondhand motor vehicles and machinery. It was nicknamed the "Junk Bill" as it intended to keep out old used merchandise.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|285}}

====1970s and later====
In November 1970, [[Pope Paul VI]] visited Pago Pago on his way to Australia.<ref>Cassidy, Edward Idris (2009). ''My Years in Vatican Service''. Paulist Press. Page 52. {{ISBN|9780809145935}}.</ref><ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|292}}

Shortly after Christmas in 1970, a village fire destroyed the legislative chambers and adjacent facilities. It was decided that the new Legislature would be placed permanently in the center of the township of Fagatogo, the traditional Malae o le Talu, at a cost of $500,000. A triple celebration in October 1973 marked the dedication of the new Fono compound, its 25th anniversary, and the holding in Pago Pago of the Pacific Conference of Legislators. First Lady Lillian "Lily" Lee unveiled the official [[seal of American Samoa]] carved on ''ifelele'' by master wood-carver [[Sven Ortquist]], which was mounted in front of the new Fono. The Arts Council Choir sang the territorial anthem, "Amerika Samoa", as composer HC [[Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga|Tuiteleleapaga Napoleone]] conducted. The territorial bird, lupe, and flower, mosooi, were officially announced during the same ceremony.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|302}}
[[File:Pago_Pago_Airport_tarmac.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pago Pago International Airport]]
[[File:The_2007_Annual_Pago_Pago_Championship_Busfest_-_panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|250px|2007 Annual Pago Pago Championship Busfest]]
Shipping in and out of Pago Pago experienced an economic boom from 1970 to 1974. Flights into Pago Pago International Airport continued to increase in the early 1970s, with the Office of Tourism reporting 40,000 visitors and calling for the construction of additional hotels. Service to American Samoa by air was offered by [[Pan American World Airways|Pan American]] (four weekly flights), [[Air New Zealand]] (four weekly flights), and [[Union de Transports Aériens|UTA]] (four weekly flights). From 1974 to 1975, records show that 78,000 passengers moved by air between the two Samoas and that [[Polynesian Airlines]] collected $1.8 million from the route.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|311}} Pago Pago Harbor became a popular stop for yachts in the early 1970s.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|312}}

In 1972, Army Sp. 4 Fiatele Taulago Te{{okina}}o was killed in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] and his body was flown home to Pago Pago where his many awards were presented to his parents. The first Army Reserve Center was named after him.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|316}} Two additional American Samoans were killed in the Vietnam War, Cpl. Lane Fatutoa Levi and LCpl. Fagatoele Lokeni in 1970 and 1968, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=THE WALL OF FACES|url=https://www.vvmf.org/wall-of-faces-search/|access-date=2020-10-22|website=Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1972, seven historical buildings in American Samoa were entered in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] of the United States, including [[Navy Building 38]], [[Jean P. Haydon Museum]], and the [[Government House (American Samoa)|Government House]].<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|313}}

In 1985, the decision was made to privatize [[Ronald Reagan Shipyard]]. [[Southwest Marine]], a company from [[San Diego, California]], was selected to operate the shipyard under lease from the American Samoa Government.<ref name="ronaldreaganshipyard.com">{{cite web|url=https://ronaldreaganshipyard.com/about/history/|title=HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN SAMOA SHIPYARD|website=Ronald Reagan Shipyard|access-date=2019-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723040817/https://ronaldreaganshipyard.com/about/history/|archive-date=2019-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1986, the First Invitational Canoe Race was held in Pago Pago.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|339}}

On September 25, 1991, downtown Fagatogo received a new landmark: the [[Samoa News]] Building. The [[Executive Office Building (American Samoa)|Executive Office Building]] in [[Utulei]] was dedicated on October 11, 1991.<ref name="Sunia-2009"/>{{rp|357}}

In 1999, the first international conference on the [[Samoan language]] was held in Pago Pago.<ref>Craig, Robert D. (2011). ''Historical Dictionary of Polynesia''. Scarecrow Press. Page xxx. {{ISBN|978-0-8108-6772-7}}.</ref>

===21st century===
[[File:Joe_Biden_visits_American_Samoa_%282016-07-15%29_02.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Then-Vice President [[Joe Biden]] visiting Pago Pago in 2016.]]
Since 2000, [[American Samoa Department of Education]] through its school athletic program is the host of the East & West High School All-Star Football Game. It has been held at the field in [[Gagamoe]] in Pago Pago.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.samoanews.com/samoa-bowl-ix-live-experience-through-samoa-bowl|title = Samoa Bowl IX: Live the experience through the Samoa Bowl!|date = 19 December 2011}}</ref>

In 2008, the tenth [[Festival of Pacific Arts]] was held in Pago Pago, drawing 2,500 participants from 27 countries.<ref>Craig, Robert D. (2011). ''Historical Dictionary of Polynesia''. Scarecrow Press. Pages 88-89. {{ISBN|978-0-8108-6772-7}}.</ref> Also in 2008, [[Asuega Fa’amamata]], one of the few female chiefs in the territory, was elected by Pago Pago as its new senator, becoming the sole female legislator in the [[American Samoa Fono]].<ref>Craig, Robert D. (2011). ''Historical Dictionary of Polynesia''. Scarecrow Press. Page 25. {{ISBN|978-0-8108-6772-7}}.</ref>

In 2010, [[Tri Marine Group]], the world's largest supplier of fish, purchased the plant assets of ''Samoa Packing'' and committed $34 million for a state-of-the-art tuna packing facility.<ref name="ronaldreaganshipyard.com"/>

[[Mike Pence]] was the third sitting U.S. vice president to visit American Samoa<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/329073/us-vice-president-to-dedicate-american-samoa-clinic-to-'eni’ |title=US Vice-President to dedicate American Samoa clinic to 'Eni' |publisher=RNZ |date=19 April 2017 |access-date=3 September 2022}}</ref> when he made a stopover in Pago Pago in April 2017.<ref name="politico">{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/24/mike-pence-return-home-hawaii-237510|title=Pence cutting Pacific trip short|website=POLITICO|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020083812/http://www.politico.com/story/2017/04/24/mike-pence-return-home-hawaii-237510|archive-date=October 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He addressed 200 soldiers here during his refueling stop.<ref name="cbsnews">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-pence-cuts-short-his-stop-in-hawaii-to-deal-with-domestic-issues/|title=Mike Pence cuts short his stop in Hawaii to deal with domestic issues|website=CBS News|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020083729/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-pence-cuts-short-his-stop-in-hawaii-to-deal-with-domestic-issues/|archive-date=October 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> U.S. Secretary of State [[Rex Tillerson]] visited town on June 3, 2017.<ref name="americansamoa">{{cite web|url=https://www.americansamoa.gov/vp?id=98&option=com_content&view=article|website=americansamoa.gov|title=american samoa|access-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020033335/https://www.americansamoa.gov/vp?id=98&option=com_content&view=article|archive-date=October 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2017, the [[American Samoa Fono|Fono]] building in [[Fagatogo]] was demolished.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/fono-coming-down |title=Fono coming down |date=28 August 2017 |access-date=2019-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724091438/http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/fono-coming-down |archive-date=2019-07-24 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/just-asking%E2%80%A6-when-will-there-be-new-fono-building |title=JUST ASKING… when will there be a new Fono building? &#124; American Samoa &#124; Samoa News |access-date=2019-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220170604/http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/just-asking%E2%80%A6-when-will-there-be-new-fono-building |archive-date=2018-12-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, four months of repair took place at the ASG-owned [[Ronald Reagan Shipyard]] in [[Satala, American Samoa|Satala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/four-month-repair-work-underway-satala-shipyard|title=Four-month repair work underway at the Satala Shipyard|website=Samoa News|date=7 December 2018|access-date=2019-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723040820/http://www.samoanews.com/local-news/four-month-repair-work-underway-satala-shipyard|archive-date=2019-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

A North Korean cargo ship seized by the United States arrived in Pago Pago for inspections in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/13/north-korea-cargo-ship-inspection-american-samoa/1186415001/|title=North Korean cargo ship seized by US arrives in American Samoa for inspection by American authorities|website=USA Today|access-date=2019-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717201800/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/13/north-korea-cargo-ship-inspection-american-samoa/1186415001/|archive-date=2019-07-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2009 tsunami ====
{{Main|2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami}}
[[File:FBI tsunami video - Pago Pago parking lot - end.ogv|thumb|right|250px|Security camera footage of the [[2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami|2009 tsunami]] surging through a parking lot]]
On September 29, 2009, an [[2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami|earthquake]] struck in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]], near [[Samoa]] and [[American Samoa]], sending a [[tsunami]] into Pago Pago and surrounding areas. The tsunami caused moderate to severe damage to villages, buildings and vehicles and caused 34 deaths and hundreds of injuries.<ref name="google.com">[https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcQYRcaxXR6t5UcX_WlbD_qBAmQwD9B16T6G0 Article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003024511/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcQYRcaxXR6t5UcX_WlbD_qBAmQwD9B16T6G0 |date=2009-10-03 }} on [[Google News]]</ref><ref>"[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33075304 Disaster aid flows to tsunami-hit Samoas] ". [[MSNBC]].</ref> It was an 8.3 magnitude earthquake which caused {{convert|5|ft|m|adj=on}} waves to hit the city. It caused major flooding and damaged numerous buildings. A local power plant was disabled, 241 homes were destroyed, and 308 homes had major damage. Shortly after the earthquake, President [[Barack Obama]] issued a federal disaster declaration, which authorized funds for individual assistance (IA), such as temporary housing.<ref>Jadacki, Matt (2011). ''American Samoa 2009 Earthquake and Tsunami: After-Action Report''. DIANE Publishing. Page 2. {{ISBN|9781437942835}}.</ref>

The largest wave hit Pago Pago at 6:13&nbsp;pm local time, with an amplitude of {{convert|6.5|ft|m}}.<ref>Dunbar, Paula K. (2015). ''Pacific Tsunami Warning System: A Half Century of Protecting the Pacific, 1965–2015''. Government Printing Office. Page 56. {{ISBN|9780996257909}}.</ref>