Tinian

Last updated

Tinian
Map Saipan Tinian islands closer.jpg
Tinian on an area map, southwest of Saipan, showing waters around islands, and deeper Pacific section.
Mariana Islands - Tinian.PNG
Pacific Ocean laea location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Tinian
Geography
Location Pacific Ocean
Coordinates 15°00′N145°38′E / 15.000°N 145.633°E / 15.000; 145.633
Archipelago Marianas
Area101.22 km2 (39.08 sq mi) [1]
Highest elevation187 m (614 ft)
Highest pointMount Kastiyu
Administration
United States
Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands
Largest settlement San Jose
Demographics
Population2044 [2] (2020)
Tinian

Tinian ( /ˈtɪniən,ˌtiːniˈɑːn/ ) is one of the three principal islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Together with uninhabited neighboring Aguiguan, it forms Tinian Municipality, one of the four constituent municipalities of the Northern Marianas. Tinian's largest village is San Jose. Tinian is just south of the most inhabited island Saipan, but north of the populated Rota to the south. The island is home to many WW2 historical sites, cattle ranches, and beaches. There was a 5-star casino that operated from 1998 to 2015; remaining are other hotels/resorts and a golf course. The main access to Saipan is by a short airplane ride from the international airport, or by a charter boat.

Contents

Tinian is a part of the United States, and is also a part of the CNMI. Along with Guam, they are the westernmost islands of the US in the Pacific (technically very far east).

History

First settlers

The Mariana Islands, of which Tinian is one, were the first islands settled by humans in Remote Oceania. It was also the first and the longest of the ocean-crossing voyages of the Austronesian peoples, and is separate from the later Polynesian settlement of the rest of Remote Oceania. They were first settled around 1500 to 1400 BC by migrants departing from the Philippines. This was followed by a second migration from the Caroline Islands by the first millennium AD, and a third migration from Island Southeast Asia (likely the Philippines or eastern Indonesia) by 900 AD. [3] [4]

Thousands of years ago the island was settled by a people that built stone structures all over Tinian called taga. [5]

Spanish colonial period

Tinian, together with Saipan, was possibly first sighted by Europeans of the Spanish expedition of Ferdinand Magellan, when it made landfall in the southern Marianas on March 6, 1521. [6] It was likely sighted next by Gonzalo Gómez de Espinosa in 1522 on board the Spanish ship Trinidad, in an attempt to reach Panama after the death of Magellan. [7] This would have happened after the sighting of the Maug Islands in between the end of August and end of September. Gonzalo de Vigo deserted in the Maugs from the Trinidad and in the next four years, living with the Chamorros, visited thirteen main islands in the Marianas and possibly Tinian among them.

The first clear evidence of European arrival was by the Manila galleon Santa Margarita commanded by Juan Martínez de Guillistegui, that wrecked in the southeast of Saipan in February 1600 and whose survivors stayed for two years till 250 were rescued by the Santo Tomas and the Jesus María. [8] The Spanish formally occupied Tinian in 1669, with the missionary expedition of Diego Luis de San Vitores who named it Buenavista Mariana (Goodsight Mariana). From 1670, it became a port of call for Spanish and occasional English, Dutch and French ships as a supply station for food and water.[ citation needed ]

The native population, estimated at 40,000 at the time of the Spanish arrival, shrank to less than 1400 due to European-introduced diseases and conflicts over land. The survivors were forcibly relocated to Guam in 1720 for better control and assimilation. Under Spanish rule, the island was developed into ranches for raising cattle and pigs, which were used to provision Spanish galleons en route to Mexico.[ citation needed ]

German colonial period

After the Spanish–American War of 1898, Tinian was sold by Spain to the German Empire in 1899. The island was administered by Germany as part of German New Guinea. During the German period, there was no attempt to develop or settle the island, which remained under the control of its Spanish and mestizo landowners.[ citation needed ]

Japanese colonial period

Tinian Shinto shrine. Tinian Shinto Shrine 1.JPG
Tinian Shinto shrine.

In 1914, during World War I, the island was captured by Japan, which was awarded formal control in 1918 by the League of Nations as part of the South Seas Mandate. The island was settled by ethnic Japanese, Koreans and Okinawans, who developed large-scale sugar plantations. [9] Under Japanese rule, extensive infrastructure development occurred, including the construction of port facilities, waterworks, power stations, paved roads and schools, along with entertainment facilities and Shinto shrines. Initial efforts to settle the island met with difficulties, including an infestation of scale insects, followed by a severe drought in 1919. Efforts were resumed under the aegis of the Nanyo Kohatsu Kabushiki Kaisha in 1926, with new settlers from Okinawa as well as Fukushima and Yamagata Prefectures, and the introduction of coffee and cotton as cash crops in addition to sugar, and the construction of a Katsuobushi processing plant. By June 1944, some 15,700 Japanese civilians resided on Tinian (including 2700 ethnic Koreans and 22 ethnic Chamorro).[ citation needed ]

In the Japanese area thousands of colonists arrived and it was used for agriculture and military purposes. [5]

World War II

U.S. Marines during the Battle of Tinian in 1944. USMC LVT-2 Water Buffalo.JPEG
U.S. Marines during the Battle of Tinian in 1944.
The atom bomb pit "No.1" on Tinian's North Field, where Little Boy was loaded aboard the Enola Gay. Atom Bomb Pit 1 Little Boy a.JPG
The atom bomb pit "No.1" on Tinian's North Field, where Little Boy was loaded aboard the Enola Gay .

Tinian was not garrisoned by the Japanese military until the latter stages of World War II, when the Japanese realized its strategic importance as a possible base for American Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. The island was seized by the Allies during the Battle of Tinian from July 24 to August 1, 1944. Of the 8,500-man Japanese garrison, 313 survived the battle. At the time, there were an estimated 15,700 Japanese civilians (including 2,700 ethnic Koreans) on the island. Many hundreds were also killed in the crossfire, took their own lives, or were executed by the Japanese military to avoid capture by the Americans. [10]

Tinian is located approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) from mainland Japan, and was suitable as a staging base for continuous heavy bomber attacks on the Japanese Islands. Immediately after the island's seizure by the US, construction began on the largest airbase of WWII, which covered the entire island (except its three highland areas). The Tinian Naval Base was a 40,000-personnel installation, and the Navy Seabees (110th NCB) laid out the base in a pattern of city streets resembling New York City's Manhattan Island, and named the streets accordingly.

The former Japanese town of Sunharon was nicknamed "The Village" because its location corresponded to that of Greenwich Village. A large square area between West and North Fields, used primarily for the location of the base hospitals and otherwise left undeveloped, was called Central Park. [11] Some of the roads named from NYC include Broadway, 42nd Street, Lenox Avenue, Riverside Drive and Eighth Avenue. [5]

Two runway complexes, West Field and North Field, having a combined total of six 8,500-foot (2,600-meter) runways, were constructed. Today the four runways at North Field are overgrown and abandoned. One of the two West Field runways remains in use as part of Tinian International Airport. [12]

West Field

West Field, Tinian, July 8, 1945 Westfield-tinian-8jul1945.jpg
West Field, Tinian, July 8, 1945

Airfield construction was originally by the Japanese, built with two parallel runways. It was repaired by the Americans, and then called West Field. [13] From here seven squadrons of the 58th Bombardment Wing flew combat and reconnaissance missions throughout Southeast Asia and finally into the Japanese home islands, as part of the bombing of Japan. [13] [14]

After WWII, West Field was Tinian's airport called Gurguan Point Airfield; [13] and today is Tinian International Airport.

North Field

The Japanese had constructed three small fighter strips [9] on Tinian, but none were suitable for bomber operations. Under the Americans, nearly the entire northern end of the island was occupied by the runways, almost 11 miles (18 km) of taxiways and the airfield area, designed to accommodate the entire 313th Bombardment Wing complement of Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. [9]

North Field was the departure point of the 509th Composite Group specialized Silverplate nuclear weapons delivery B-29 bombers Enola Gay and Bockscar , which respectively carried the two atomic bombs named Little Boy and Fat Man, that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. [12]

Remains of the US bomber base and Atom Bomb Pits, [12] and the remains of Japanese fortifications, are located at North Field. There is a memorial on the old airfield at the loading pits, which are roofed-over with glazed panels in metal framing for safer viewing. Both pits were reopened in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. The pits were originally constructed to load the bombs, since they were too large to be loaded in the conventional manner. The B-29s were maneuvered over a pit with their bomb bay doors open to facilitate loading. [15]

Postwar Tinian

Tinian Dynasty Hotel lobby in 2011, it operated from 1998 to 2015 Tinian Dynasty Hotel - panoramio (5).jpg
Tinian Dynasty Hotel lobby in 2011, it operated from 1998 to 2015

After the end of World War II, Tinian became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, controlled by the United States. The island continued to be dominated by the United States military, and until 1962 was administered as a sub-district of Saipan. Since 1978, the island has been a municipality of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

During the 1980s, one of the runways on North Field was kept active to allow U.S. Air Force C-130s to take off and land in support of U.S. Marine Corps training exercises in the north end of the island. The two northern airstrips, Alpha and Bravo, were cleared of vegetation and the limestone coral that had been disturbed by roots was excavated and replaced by Marines of the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd FSSG, 3rd Marine Division then stationed at Camp Hansen, Okinawa in late 1981. That unit had been transported by sea aboard the USS Cayuga (LST-1186). [16] [ verification needed ] The military presence began to be replaced by tourism in the 1990s, but still plays an important role in the local economy.[ citation needed ]

On November 4, 1986, the Northern Marianas including Tinian became a part of the United States, and the people there U.S. Citizens. [17]

Major business on the island in the postwar period included fishing, [18] cattle, and tourism. In the 1990s an ill-fated attempt at operating casinos began. [19] There are still many ranches and some 1-2 thousand cattle on Tinian. [19]

21st century

NMCB-3, Detail Tinian, pave a road in support of Marpo Heights Road G construction in Tinian. (50718271913).jpg
Tinian Road Construction (50489228911).jpg
US Navy Seabees construct a road on Tinian in 2020

In 2009, STAR Marianas Air, based out of Tinian was founded, and by the 2010s operated small aircraft on routes between Saipan, Guam, Tinian, and Rota for example. The airline has fleet by 2016 consisting of 5 Piper Super-Chieftains and 6 Piper Cherokee Six es. [20]

The Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino shut down down in 2016, with the company blaming Typhoon Souledor for a decrease in visitors. [21] [22] The Hong Kong-based company that had operated what was the only casino on Tinian had had its gambling license revoked and was going bankrupt. [22] The casino got in major trouble because they did not follow the financial rules on an ongoing basis for many years, and did not have a system to prevent money laundering. [23] The enterprise operated from 1998 to 2015. It had a 14,000 square foot casino, with 390 hotel rooms and 24 suites, and employed about 200 people. It had a swimming pool, beach access, and was located in San Jose on Broadway street. [24] After it shut down, the company went bankrupt. Two thirds of the former employees stayed at the site throughout 2016 hoping to be paid. Eventually, the utilities company had to turn the power off to the site. [25] The last working day for the facilities was August 5, 2016. [26] As of 2022 the facility remains closed with over 250 million USD in liabilities and was also fined 75 million for money laundering. [25] In 2019, 15 former employees of the casino were awarded 800,000 for wrongful termination and various charges, and they were awarded lost wages. [27]

On October 24, 2018, Typhoon Yutu made landfall on the island of Tinian as a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon, becoming the most powerful storm on record to hit the Northern Mariana Islands, and causing an extensive amount of damage. [28] [29]

A new casino, called Tinian Diamond Casino, was in the final stages of completion by 2022, and was working to reestablish a ferry between Tinian and nearby Saipan. [25] However, by 2023, the plans had fallen apart. Starting in 2014 the project was to build a 500-room hotel and casino, with golf course and other facilities; however, it never opened, and by 2023 the land lease was revoked. [30]

In late 2023, it was reported that the U.S. House and Senate approved $79 million for Tinian's Divert Airfield in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. [31]

Geography

Topographic map of the island of Tinian, showing buildings as of 1999. Tinian CNMI 1999 topographic map USGS.jpg
Topographic map of the island of Tinian, showing buildings as of 1999.

Tinian is about 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) southwest of Saipan, from which it is separated by the Saipan Channel. It has a land area of 39 square miles (100 km2), with its highest elevation on the Kastiyu plateau at 187 meters (614 ft). It is considerably flatter than Saipan. The island has limestone cliffs and caves. There is a variety of marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island. Its clear, warm waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and sport fishing.

Aguijan island, a small island lies to the south and Tatsumi bank, a fishing froun lie to the south east. [32]

Map of soil types on the islands of Tinian and Aguijan Tinian soil 1988.jpg
Map of soil types on the islands of Tinian and Aguijan

Plant, wildlife, and marine life

There is a variety of flora and fauna; the Tinian monarch is the island's only endemic bird species and it is threatened by habitat loss. The island has been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports populations of Micronesian megapodes, white-throated ground doves, Mariana fruit doves, Micronesian myzomelas, rufous fantails, Saipan white-eyes and Micronesian starlings. [33]

Surverys of bird populations in 1982, 1996, and 2008 has found that the bird population including native birds are ok. Examples of native bird species on Tinian include Mariana Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopusroseicapilla), Micronesian Honeyeater (Myzomela rubratra), and Tinian Monarch (Monarcha takatsukasae). [34]

Population

The population of Tinian was 2,044 (as of 2020), which corresponds to less than 5% of all residents of the Northern Mariana Islands and a population density of 20 people per km2. [35] Most of the inhabitants are Chamorros (about 75%) and members of various other groups of islands in the Caroline Islands. There are also minorities of Filipino, Bangladeshi, East Asian and European-descended people.

Tinians are United States citizens. [36]

Economy

Much of the local economy of Tinian is dependent on tourism, however, tourist infrastructure is relatively poorly developed. The village of San Jose has several smaller hotels, restaurants, and bars. Agriculture is primarily on the subsistence level. The largest employers on the island are the government and the casino, which was legalized in 1989. As of March 2006, the island has plans to put in four new casinos. [ citation needed ] The 2010 census showed a population of 3,136 [37] for the island. [38]

Transportation

A road on Tinian Broadway - Tinian - panoramio (10).jpg
A road on Tinian

Air

Tinian Airport (TIQ) is small and serviced by Star Marianas Air, which operates daily scheduled flights to Saipan. Freedom Air, who previously served the island filed for bankruptcy in October 2013 and suspended all operations since March 2014.

Ferry

The ferry boat service that operated twice daily between Tinian and Saipan ran at a loss estimated to be US$1 million a year, and has since ceased.[ citation needed ]

Government

The local government is the Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan, which also includes the uninhabited island Aguijan. [39] The municipality has a land area of 108.1 km2 (41.738 sq mi). The 2000 census population was 3,540 persons, all living on the island of Tinian (Aguijan is uninhabited). The municipal seat and main village of the island of Tinian is San Jose, situated on the southwest coast. [40] Mayor Edwin P. Aldan was inaugurated in January 2019, [41] succeeding Joey San Nicolas.

Local attractions

The ruins of the House of Taga stones HouseOfTagaAfterYutu.jpg
The ruins of the House of Taga stones

House of Taga

House of Taga, Tinian House of Taga 3.JPG
House of Taga, Tinian

The House of Taga is a latte stone site, one of the largest such structures in the Marianas. The stones are quarried limestone, each approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) in length. Of the twelve large Latte structures, only one is still standing. The site is one of seven locations on Tinian on the National Register of Historic Places listings in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Beaches

Tinian beach Unai Dankulo, Tinian, -2 Jan. 2011 a.jpg
Tinian beach

Major Beaches on Tinian include: [42]

In 2022, Chiget Beach was reopened for use after being cleared. The issue was unexploded ordinance on the beach. [43]

Tinian Blowhole, natural water geyser by the coast Blowhole - Tinian - panoramio.jpg
Tinian Blowhole, natural water geyser by the coast

On the of the unique natural wonders is called the blowhole, in which water gets shot up 10 meters. [5] Snorkeling and scuba diving is a popular tourist activity on Tininan. [5]

Masalok Beach on Tinian Masalok Beach - Tinian - panoramio (1).jpg
Masalok Beach on Tinian

Education

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System operates public schools including Tinian Elementary School, [44] and Tinian Jr./Sr. High School.

State Library of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands operates the Tinian Public Library in San Jose Village. [45]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Mariana Islands</span> Unincorporated territory of the US

The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is an unincorporated territory and commonwealth of the United States consisting of 14 islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The CNMI includes the 14 northernmost islands in the Mariana Archipelago; the southernmost island, Guam, is a separate U.S. territory. The Northern Mariana Islands were listed by the United Nations as a non-self governing territory until 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saipan</span> Largest island and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan is the largest island and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean. According to 2020 estimates by the United States Census Bureau, the population of Saipan was 43,385, a decline of 10% from its 2010 count of 48,220.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mariana Islands</span> Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean

The Mariana Islands, also simply the Marianas, are a crescent-shaped archipelago comprising the summits of fourteen longitudinally oriented, mostly dormant volcanic mountains in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, between the 12th and 21st parallels north and along the 145th meridian east. They lie south-southeast of Japan, west-southwest of Hawaii, north of New Guinea and east of the Philippines, demarcating the Philippine Sea's eastern limit. They are found in the northern part of the western Oceanic sub-region of Micronesia, and are politically divided into two jurisdictions of the United States: the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and, at the southern end of the chain, the territory of Guam. The islands were named after the influential Spanish queen Mariana of Austria following their colonization in the 17th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rota (island)</span> Political division of the Northern Mariana Islands

Rota, also known as the "Friendly Island", is the southernmost island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the third southernmost of the Marianas Archipelago. In early Spanish records it is called "Zarpana"; the name Rota may have come from the Spaniards possibly naming the island after the municipality of Rota, Spain. It lies approximately 40 nautical miles (74 km) north-northeast of the United States territory of Guam. Sinapalo village is the largest and most populated, followed by Songsong village (Songsong). Rota also functions as one of the four municipalities of the CNMI.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pagan (island)</span> Island of the Northern Mariana Islands

Pagan is a volcanic island in the Marianas archipelago in the northwest Pacific Ocean, under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It lies midway between Alamagan to the south and Agrihan to the north. The island has been largely uninhabited ever since most of its 50 residents were evacuated due to volcanic eruptions in 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saipan International Airport</span> Airport in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, United States

Saipan International Airport, also known as Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, is a public airport located on Saipan Island in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The airport is owned by Commonwealth Ports Authority. Its airfield was previously known as Aslito and Isely Field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinian International Airport</span> Airport in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S.

Tinian International Airport, also known as West Tinian Airport, is a public airport located on Tinian Island in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This airport is owned by Commonwealth Ports Authority.

Rota International Airport, also known as Benjamin Taisacan Manglona International Airport, is a public airport located on Rota Island in the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), near the village of Sinapalo. The airport is owned by the Commonwealth Ports Authority. During WWII the Japanese constructed a single runway which the U.S. bombed out of commission. After the Marines took control of the island 300 men from the 48th U.S.Naval Construction Battalion made the airfield operational during Sept-Oct 1945 and extended to 5,000 feet (1,500 m). The runway was then used as an emergency landing strip for Tinian and Saipan airfields. In modern times it used for short commuter flights to nearby Marianas Islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aguiguan</span> Island in the Northern Marianas island chain

Aguiguan, alternatively it is called Goat Island, is a small bean-shaped uninhabited coralline island in the Northern Mariana Islands chain in the Pacific Ocean. It is situated 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) south-west of Tinian, from which it is separated by the Tinian Channel. Aguiguan and neighboring Tinian Island together form Tinian Municipality, one of the four main political divisions that comprise the Northern Marianas. The island is inhabited by wild goats and the last known habitat of a rare Pacific bat, as well as many species of birds. During WW2 a Japanese garrison was on the island, which surrendered at the end of the War without a battle. Access to the island is inhibited by the lack of a natural harbor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Mariana Islands Senate</span> Upper house of the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature

The Northern Mariana Islands Senate is the upper house of the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Legislature. The Senate consists of nine senators representing three senatorial districts, each a multi-member constituency with three senators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

General elections were held in the Northern Mariana Islands on 3 November 2007, concurrently with a double referendum. The Republican Party won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, and both referendums were approved. This election would mark the last time that the Democrats would win a legislative seat until the 2020 general election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolinian people</span> Micronesian ethnic group

The Refaluwasch people are a Micronesian ethnic group who originated in Oceania, in the Caroline Islands, with a total population of over 8,500 people in the Northern Mariana Islands. They are also known as Remathau in the Yap's outer islands. The Carolinian word means "People of the Deep Sea." It is thought that their ancestors may have originally immigrated from Asia and Melanesia to Micronesia around 2,000 years ago. Their primary language is Carolinian, called Refaluwasch by native speakers, which has a total of about 5,700 speakers. The Refaluwasch have a matriarchal society in which respect is a very important factor in their daily lives, especially toward the matriarchs. Most Refaluwasch are of the Roman Catholic faith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Field (Tinian)</span> Former World War II airfield on Tinian in the Mariana Islands

North Field was a World War II airfield on Tinian in the Mariana Islands. Abandoned after the war, today North Field is a tourist attraction. Along with several adjacent beaches on which U.S. Marines landed during the Battle of Tinian, the airfield is the major component of the National Historic Landmark District Tinian Landing Beaches, Ushi Point Field, Tinian Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star Marianas Air</span> Commuter airline

Star Marianas Air, Inc. is a U.S. commuter airline headquartered at Tinian International Airport in Tinian Municipality, Northern Mariana Islands. It operates scheduled and charter passenger service in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, both U.S. territories in the Pacific Ocean.

Don Allen Farrell is an educator, local historian and author based on the island of Tinian in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). He is known for his research and publications on the history of the Mariana Islands with an emphasis on World War II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Advance Base Saipan</span> World War II base

Naval Base Saipan or Naval Advance Base Saipan or Naval Air Base Saipan was a United States Navy Naval base built during World War II to support Pacific Ocean theater of war and the many warships and troops fighting the war. The base was on the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. The base was part of the Pacific island hopping campaign. The base construction started after the Battle of Saipan ended on July 9, 1944. US Naval Advance Base Saipan was constructed by the Seabees Naval Mobile Construction Battalions. The base was under the Commander Naval Forces Marianas. Saipan is 12 miles (19 km) long and 5 miles (8.0 km) wide. About 70% of the island was sugarcane cultivation at the start of the base construction. At the start of the Battle of Saipan, the island's population had about 30,000 Japanese troops and about 20,000 Japanese civilians. The city of Garapan was the administrative center for the Saipan governmental district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinian Naval Base</span> Major World War II base

Tinian Naval Advanced Base was a major United States Navy sea and air base on Tinian Island, part of the Northern Mariana Islands on the east side of the Philippine Sea in the Pacific Ocean. The base was built during World War II to support bombers and patrol aircraft in the Pacific War. The main port was built at the city and port of San Jose, also called Tinian Harbor. All construction was carried out by the Navy's Seabees 6th Naval Construction Brigade, including the main two airfields: West Field and North FieldUnited States Army Air Forces's long-range Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers. The Navy disestablished the Tinian Naval Advanced Base on 1 December 1946.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">US Naval Base Marianas</span> Base World War II bases in the Mariana Islands

US Naval Base Marianas was a number of United States Navy bases in the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean's Micronesia. Most were built by the US Navy Seabees, Naval Construction Battalions, during World War II. Naval Base Guam was lost to the Empire of Japan during the Battle of Guam in December 1941. Guam was retaken by United States Armed Forces on July 21, 1944, now also known as Liberation Day. Naval Station Guam was founded on August 7, 1899, after Spain lost the Spanish–American War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span> 2020 general elections in Northern Mariana Islands

The 2020 Northern Mariana Islands general election was held on Tuesday, 3 November, 2020, corresponding with the elections of other federal and state offices, including the nationwide 2020 United States House of Representatives elections and the 2020 United States general elections. This election oversaw the return of the CNMI Democratic Party as a major force in CNMI politics for the first time in a decade. 2020 also saw the first time a party was able to challenge the CNMI Republican Party since the Covenant Party was dissolved in 2013. Four incumbent representatives that were elected as independents announced that they would run for re-election as Democrats while another independent aligns with the party. Prior to the 2020 election, the Democrats had not won a legislative seat since their last wins in the 2007 general elections. The result of the 2020 general election was that the CNMI had experienced a blue wave, with the Democrats controlling nearly half the house and adding a member to the senate. The Republicans lost the trifecta it held since the 2016 Northern Mariana Islands general election and the single-party system it held since 2013. Voter turnout was at 72.05%, lower than the previous general elections election years of 2018, which was 77.4%, and 2014, which was 76.7%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Northern Mariana Islands general election</span>

The 2022 Northern Mariana Islands general election was held on Tuesday, 8 November 2022, corresponding with the elections of other federal and state offices, including the nationwide 2022 United States House of Representatives elections and the 2022 United States general elections. A runoff for the gubernatorial race were held on Friday, 25 November 2022. This election saw the election of the CNMI's first independent governor and lieutenant governor. Both the CNMI Democratic Party and the CNMI Republican Party displayed lackluster results when compared to the independents in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. This election also saw the first time the Democratic Party contested the governorship since the 2014 Northern Mariana Islands general election and the first time said party received more than 10% of the popular vote since the 2005 Northern Mariana Islands general election.

References

  1. ↑ "7 TINIAN" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Table 2. 2020 Census Population of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" (PDF). census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  3. ↑ Hung, Hsiao-chun; Carson, Mike T.; Bellwood, Peter; Campos, Fredeliza Z.; Piper, Philip J.; Dizon, Eusebio; Bolunia, Mary Jane Louise A.; Oxenham, Marc; Chi, Zhang (2015). "The first settlement of Remote Oceania: the Philippines to the Marianas". Antiquity. 85 (329): 909–926. doi: 10.1017/S0003598X00068393 .
  4. ↑ Zotomayor, Alexie Villegas (March 12, 2013). "Archaeologists say migration to Marianas longest ocean-crossing in human history". Marianas Variety News and Views: 2. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands: Diving, Military Landmarks, Beaches".
  6. ↑ Rogers, Robert F.; Ballendorf, Dirk Anthony (1989). "Magellan's Landfall in the Mariana Islands". The Journal of Pacific History. 24 (2). Taylor & Francis Ltd.: 198. doi:10.1080/00223348908572614.
  7. ↑ Brand, Donald D. The Pacific Basin: A History of its Geographical Explorations The American Geographical Society, New York, 1967, p.118.
  8. ↑ Sharp, Andrew (1960). The discovery of the Pacific Islands . Oxford: Clarendon Press.
  9. 1 2 3 "Pacifics Wrecks: Tinian History". Archived from the original on May 8, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2006.
  10. ↑ Prefer, Nathan N. The Battle for Tinian: Vital Stepping Stone in America's War Against Japan. Havertown, PA: Casemate Publishers, 2012. ISBN   978-1-61200-107-4. pp. 155–156.
  11. ↑ Carlson, Jen (July 29, 2015). "These NYC Streets Are Located In The Middle Of The Pacific Ocean". Gothamist. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 "Pacific Wrecks: Ushi North Field". Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2009.
  13. 1 2 3 "West Field". Pacific Wrecks. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2009.
  14. ↑ "A Brief History of the 58th Bomb Wing". 58th Bomb Wing Memorial. Archived from the original on June 21, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  15. ↑ B-29 "Enola Gay" 44-86292 Over Atomic Bomb Loading Pit Archived September 24, 2015, at the Wayback Machine , PacificWrecks.com Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  16. ↑ Personal account Donald Harrison, USMC 1976-1983, SSgt 9thEngrSptBn
  17. ↑ "8 FAM 302.2 ACQUISITION BY BIRTH IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS". fam.state.gov.
  18. ↑ Erediano, Emmanuel T. (February 9, 2023). "Local fishermen support gillnet fishing in Saipan lagoon". Marianas Variety News & Views. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  19. 1 2 Cabrera, Bea (March 5, 2021). "Taking the bull by the horns: Tinian seeking to revitalize cattle industry". pactimes. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  20. ↑ Release, Press (May 14, 2016). "STAR Marianas bares new direct Saipan Guam service". The Guam Daily Post. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  21. ↑ Reporter, Ferdie De La Torre | (May 8, 2019). "Dynasty could re-open". Saipan Tribune. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  22. 1 2 "Tinian Dynasty gaming licence revoked in the Northern Mariana Islands". Casino Review. June 13, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  23. ↑ Daleno, Gaynor Dumat-ol. "Feds fine Tinian casino $75M". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino". www.worldcasinodirectory.com. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  25. 1 2 3 "Tinian Diamond Casino nearing completion, tipped to open in Q3". IAG. June 2, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  26. ↑ Reporter, Jon Perez | (November 11, 2016). "Dynasty employees not losing hope". Saipan Tribune. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Ex-workers of CNMI casino get $US800K". RNZ. June 13, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  28. ↑ Colin Dwyer (October 24, 2018). "Super Typhoon Yutu, 'Strongest Storm Of 2018,' Slams U.S. Pacific Territory". NPR. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Category 5 Super Typhoon Yutu Now Moving Away From U.S. Territories of Saipan, Tinian After Devastating Strike". The Weather Company. October 24, 2018. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  30. ↑ Erediano, Emmanuel T. (September 6, 2023). "Tinian casino investor a 'victim of geopolitical factors'". Marianas Variety News & Views. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  31. ↑ Manglona, Thomas (December 18, 2023). "$79M proposed for Tinian Divert Airfield in NDAA". KUAM News. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Tinian Island (& Aguijan island, Tatsumi bank) – Pacific Islands Benthic Habitat Mapping Center" . Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Tinian Island". BirdLife Data Zone. BirdLife International. 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  34. ↑ Camp, Richard J.; Amidon, Frederick A.; Marshall, Ann P.; Pratt, Thane K. (2012). "Bird populations on the Island of Tinian: persistence despite wholesale loss of native forests". Pacific Science. 66 (3): 283–298. doi:10.2984/66.3.3. S2CID   86075096.
  35. ↑ "Table 2. 2020 Census Population of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" (PDF). census.gov. US Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  36. ↑ "8 FAM 302.2 ACQUISITION BY BIRTH IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS". fam.state.gov. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  37. ↑ US Census 2010 Archived March 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  38. ↑ "Tinian Municipality, Tinian Island (Block Groups 1 thru 4) and Aguijan Island (Block Group 5), United States Census Bureau" . Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands". tinianmayor.net. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Municipalities of the Northern Mariana Islands, United States Census Bureau" . Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  41. ↑ Post, Junhan B. Todiño | For The Guam Daily (January 25, 2019). "Tinian mayor looks to partnerships with CNMI, US governments". The Guam Daily Post. Archived from the original on June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  42. ↑ "4 Best beaches in Tinian, Mariana Islands - Ultimate guide (October 2023)". www.beach-on-map.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Navy Restores, Reopens Chiget Beach for Public Use". United States Navy. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  44. ↑ Home Archived January 15, 2018, at the Wayback Machine . Tinian Elementary School. Retrieved on January 14, 2017.
  45. ↑ "TINIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY Archived 15 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine ." State Library of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Retrieved on January 15, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.