United States takes possession of Wake Island

Background. Wake Island is a coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, composed of three islets surrounding a lagoon. It remained undeveloped until the United States claimed it in 1899. Following the annexation of Hawaii and acquisitions from the Spanish-American War, the U.S. viewed Wake as a strategic location for telegraph cables and coaling stations for the Navy.

Strategic Motivation. The United States considered Wake Island a good location for a telegraph cable station and coaling station for refueling warships. This interest arose after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898, which resulted in the acquisition of Guam and the Philippines, expanding the Navy's operational range.

Possession Event. On January 17, 1899, Commander Edward D. Taussig landed on Wake Island under orders from President William McKinley. He formally took possession of the island for the United States. The island was unclaimed and uninhabited at the time of this administrative action.