The people of the Mariana Islands archipelago, collectively known as CHamorus, call as their homeland an area in the Pacific comprising 15 islands with a total land area of less than 400 square miles. The history of the CHamoru people dates back 3,000 to 3,500 years, when seafaring peoples migrated from Island Southeast Asia and settled in the Marianas.
CHamorus: A People Divided Read Post »
Captain Henry Glass (1844–1908), a rear admiral in the United States Navy, is remembered in Guam for his role in the bloodless capture of the island in the Spanish-American War. He was also a veteran of the American Civil War.
Captain Henry Glass Read Post »
Editor’s note: The following is from an article entitled “The Legacy of Guam’s Governor Manuel Muro” in Glimpses of Micronesia 25, no. 2 (1985): 12-15. Republished with permission from Sanchez
Governor Manuel Muro Read Post »
The last Spanish-appointed Governor of the Mariana Islands, Juan Marina Vega (1846 – 1909), more commonly known as Juan Marina, served his term on Guam from April 1897 to June 1898. Guam was ceded to the US in 1898 at the conclusion of the Spanish-American War.
Governor Juan Marina Read Post »
Kepuha (also spelled Quipuha) was a maga’låhi from Hagåtña, whose role in welcoming Spanish missionaries to Guam makes him a controversial figure in the island’s history. Kepuha was the first CHamoru to be baptized after he gave Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores the authority and land to start a Catholic mission in Hagåtña.
Manma’gas is the Chamorro/CHamoru word for leaders when referred to as a group. In ancient Guam, CHamoru leaders were usually the oldest members of clans and were looked up to for their guidance and wisdom. The male leader of a clan is referred to as the maga’låhi (eldest son) and the female as maga’håga (eldest daughter).
Manma’gas: Leaders Read Post »
The Matua controlled the most resources and lands and were the most politically powerful class. Historical accounts give us a clear image of their place in society, but less is known about the other two classes.
Mampolitiku: Politics Read Post »
A maga’låhi was the first born, high ranking (matua) male head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through his maternal lineage. Manmaga’låhi and manmaga’håga (female leaders of the clan) societal status and consideration varied, depending on the productivity of their clan’s land, ocean resources and manpower.
Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son Read Post »
A maga’håga was the first born, high ranking (of the matua caste) female head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through her maternal lineage. Manmaga’håga (female leaders of a clan) and manmaga’låhi (male leaders of the clan) societal status and consideration varied, depending on the productivity of their clan’s land, ocean resources and manpower.
Maga’håga: Highest Ranking Daughter Read Post »
A common political fallacy is that democracy was a babe born in Guam during the mid-20th century under American rule. The fact is that democracy had its beginning in Guam almost two centuries ago when benevolent Spanish authorities allowed the local electorates to choose their gobernadorcillos (mayors).
History of Democracy in Guam Read Post »
