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Blunts Point Battery: A WWII Coastal Defense

Explore Blunts Point Battery in American Samoa: A historic WWII site with panoramic views and rich military heritage on Matautu Ridge.

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Blunts Point Battery, located near Pago Pago Harbor in American Samoa, is a historic World War II coastal gun installation. It offers panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into the islands' military history. The site features two six-inch naval guns and well-preserved fortifications.

A brief summary to Blunts Point Battery

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking the moderately challenging trail to the battery.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no amenities available on-site.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting for photos.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views of Pago Pago Harbor and the surrounding coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in Utulei, you can walk to Blunts Point Battery. Head towards Road 001. Follow the road signs towards the Blunts Point Trailhead. The walk is approximately 1 mile and will take you to the base of Matautu Ridge.

  • Public Transport

    From Pago Pago, take a local bus heading towards the Eastern District. These buses operate from the central bus depot at Fagatogo. Ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop to Utulei on Road 001. From there, follow the road signs to the Blunts Point Trailhead. Bus fare is no more than $2.50.

  • Taxi

    From Pago Pago, a taxi to the Blunts Point Trailhead will cost approximately $2. The trailhead is located off Road 001 in Utulei. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip. Taxis can be found at the Pago Pago market.

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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 significant historical site located on Matautu Ridge near Pago Pago, American Samoa. This well-preserved gun battery offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a World War II Pacific coastal defense installation. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987, it stands as a testament to the fortification of the Samoan Islands following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The battery features two six-inch naval guns mounted approximately 200 feet above sea level, providing commanding views of the Pago Pago Harbor entrance. These guns are positioned within circular concrete structures, complete with parapets. A magazine built into the hillside lies a short distance below the gun emplacements. The United States Marines installed these guns in 1940, and they were part of a broader effort to protect American Samoa, which became a critical American base in the western Pacific after the capture of Guam. Visitors can access the battery via a moderately challenging hiking trail. Along the way, interpretive signs provide historical context, detailing the strategic importance of the site during the war. Although the guns never saw combat, they fired sixteen rounds at a target in Pago Pago Harbor on August 28, 1941. The surrounding area offers stunning views and a serene environment, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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