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Blunts Point Battery: A WWII Coastal Defense

Explore Blunts Point Battery in American Samoa: a historic WWII site with stunning views of Pago Pago Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.

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Blunts Point Battery in Utulei, American Samoa, is a historic World War II coastal gun installation offering panoramic ocean views. It features two 6-inch naval guns mounted on Matautu Ridge, offering a glimpse into the island's strategic role during the war. Visitors can explore the well-preserved site via a moderately challenging hiking trail.

A brief summary to Blunts Point Battery

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning views.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no amenities available on-site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking to fully enjoy the trails.
  • Consider packing binoculars for birdwatching and coastal views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Utulei, you can easily walk to Blunts Point Battery. From the main area in Utulei, head towards Road 001. Follow this road for about 1 mile, and you will find the entrance to Blunts Point Battery on your right. Walking is a great way to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from Pago Pago to Utulei. The bus stop is located near the main harbor. Inform the driver that you would like to get off at Utulei. Once you reach Utulei, walk along Road 001 towards Blunts Point Battery. It's about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop to the battery. Local buses cost no more than $2.50.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Utulei, a taxi to Blunts Point Battery is a readily available option. Taxis do not have meters, so negotiate the fare before driving off. The fare should be approximately $2.00 from the main area of Utulei.

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Discover more about Blunts Point Battery

Blunts Point Battery, also known as Blunts Point Naval Gun or Matautu Ridge Gun Site, is a gun battery on Matautu Ridge near Pago Pago, American Samoa. Perched on the west side of the mouth of Pago Pago Harbor, the battery offers commanding views of the harbor entrance and the Pacific Ocean. In 1940, as tensions grew during World War II, the United States began fortifying American Samoa. Marines installed two 6-inch naval guns at Blunts Point and another battery at Breakers Point on the east side of the harbor. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the capture of Guam, American Samoa became a critical American base in the western Pacific. The battery was part of the fortification of the Samoan Islands and is a rare example of a World War II Pacific coastal gun which remains in relatively pristine condition. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Today, visitors can hike the moderately difficult Blunts Point Trail to explore the restored battery. The guns never saw combat, only firing sixteen rounds at a target on August 28, 1941. The site includes the gun emplacements, a magazine built into the hillside, and panoramic views. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.

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