Understand

Prepare to embark on a journey to a once-forgotten oasis—this is the captivating tale of an island's history. Discovered by the British in 1821, this uninhabited jewel came under the US's wings in 1858. Yet, due to the exhaustive extraction of guano, the island was abandoned in 1879. Surprisingly, the United Kingdom took over in 1889 but never pursued further exploitation. However, the story didn't end there. In 1935, the United States overcame its abandonment and reclaimed the island. Following the tumultuous times of World War II, the island found peace as it transformed into a magnificent National Wildlife Refuge, lovingly cared for by the US Department of the Interior. Marvel at the day beacon that stands proudly in the middle of the island's west coast, a beacon guiding both creatures and curious explorers towards this natural haven.