War in the Pacific Cultural Resources Inventory

PART 2b

In 1950, the U.S. Department of the Interior replaced the Navy Department as the federal agency responsible for Guam. Within this year Governor Manuel F. L. Guerrero, Office of Territories, requested the Department of the Interior visit Guam to determine any historically significant properties that should be set aside as park lands. It was determined that there was land significant to WWII, but no formal arrangements were made for a park. In the 1960's, the request was repeated and in response, War in the Pacific National Park was proposed to Congress. However, Congress did not accept the proposal until August 18, 1978 (GMP 1983).

Both Asan and Agat beaches are in close proximity to the villages of Asan and Agat. Both units of land were used for a variety of uses after the war. Asan Beach was first the site of the Seabees Island Command Troop Headquarters, then became Camp Asan, for the Civil Service from 1945-47. This complex became a Navy hospital for the Vietnam War, in the mid 1960's and was abandoned by 1972. It was then used to house Vietnamese refugees in 1975. It was a park owned by the Government of Guam when it was proposed to Congress, and in 1978 became part of War in the Pacific National Historic Park.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park was listed in the National Register on August 18, 1978. The Agat Invasion Beach was listed in the National Register on March 4,1975. The Asan Invasion Beach was listed on the National Register on February 14, 1979.