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Piti Guns: Silent Sentinels of Guam's Past

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Explore Guam's WWII history at the Piti Guns, a silent memorial overlooking Apra Harbor, offering a glimpse into the island's strategic past.

The Piti Guns are a set of three Vickers-type Model 3 coastal defense guns in Piti, Guam, remnants of the Japanese occupation during World War II. Never fired in battle, they stand as a monument to the island's strategic importance and the forced labor of the Chamorro people.

A brief summary to Piti Guns

  • FM6V+MQ2, Piti, GU
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piti Guns.

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the short but steep hike to the guns.
  • Bring insect repellent, as the area can have mosquitoes.
  • Combine your visit with other sites in the War in the Pacific National Historical Park.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Visitor Center, drive 2.7 miles north on Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive). Turn right at the traffic light onto Route 6 (Spruance Drive), then immediately left onto Assumption Drive. Follow the road for about half a mile and park near the church social hall. The trailhead is behind the wayside exhibit panel. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) bus (Blue Line 2) to Piti Church. From the bus stop, walk a short distance to Father Mel Street and the Our Lady of Assumption Church. The trailhead is located behind the church. Bus fare is approximately $1.00 per ride, or $3.00 for a day pass.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at major hotels and shopping centers. A taxi from the airport to Piti is estimated to cost $75 - $95 and take approximately 16 minutes. From the main tourist areas in Tumon, expect to pay around $40-$60. Ensure the taxi has a working meter; the flag rate is $4.00 for the first mile and $0.80 every ¼ mile thereafter.

Discover more about Piti Guns

Nestled in the hills above Piti village, the Piti Guns offer a glimpse into Guam's pivotal role during World War II. These three Vickers-type Model 3 140mm coastal defense guns were manufactured in 1914 and installed by the Japanese in 1944 as part of their efforts to fortify the island against American forces. The Chamorro people were forced to carry the heavy guns up the steep terrain.Strategically positioned to defend Asan beach and Apra Harbor, the guns had a firing range of nearly 10 miles, capable of targeting ships and landing craft. However, they were never fully operational and remained silent during the American invasion on July 21, 1944. Today, they stand as a reminder of the war and the people who endured it.The site is located within the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the past amidst a serene mahogany forest, planted in 1928 as part of an agricultural experiment. The trail to the guns is a short but steep climb, providing views of Apra Harbor and Piti village.
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