Pearl Harbor

Astronaut view of Pearl Harbor (Photo from NASA Expedition 21 crew)

January 20, 1887: US Senate approves the Navy’s leasing Pearl Harbor. This was part of the Reciprocity Treaty ratified by the Hawaiian Islands and the United States in 1875 and went into effect in 1876. The next historical documents, a supplement to the original treaty, was forged in 1884 with the US Senate ratifying it, with amendments on this date. The King of Hawaii ratified it later in the year and the treaty was finalized in November. The treaty allowed the area called “Wai Momi” or “Water of Pearl” and also called “Pu’uloa” to come under the control of the US Navy for use as a harbor. In return for this land, Hawaii would be permitted to bring sugar into the United States duty free.

When Captain James Cook first located the Islands, the harbor was not considered worthwhile as there was a coral bar hampering free ship access. The harbor was rich in pearl producing oysters into the late 1800s. The lagoon harbor is located on the island of Oahu, just west of Honolulu. Keaunui, a Ewa chief, is credited with cutting a channel into Pearl Harbor. The estuary became known as Pearl River. Although this is not provable, the legend is given some credit. While there was water moving back and forth, someone made a path more suited to water travel.

Early seafaring men used the islands as a respite from the arduous work of sailing. They were laws enacted forbidding alcohol and prohibiting the taking of women aboard moored ships. In 1826, the Dolphin, captained by Lt. Percival, threatened violence if the laws were not revoked. They were. However, the US sent and envoy to King Kauikeaouli and began discussing international affairs and proper treatment for the locals. A trade treaty was the end result. Trade with Hawaii was profitable.

After the Alaska Territory was purchased, expansionists looked even farther west. With hostilities covering wider areas, it became necessary for the US to have outposts in areas farther from the mainland. Hawaii became a prime place for one of these outposts. After the treaty was ratified, the US took possession of Pearl Harbor to use as a Naval Base on November 9, 1887. The Spanish-American War of 1898 helped to make this a permanent facility.

“Beating the drums for Hawaii is not hard to do… the place just grows on you.” – James MacArthur

“Hawaii can be heaven and it can be hell.” – Jeff Goldblum

“I truly believe the brightest days lie ahead for the Great State of Hawaii.” – Linda Lingle

“Some people say Hawaii is spoiled, but I don’t think so. It’s modern. It’s a part of today’s world.” – James MacArthur

Also on this day:
Eeeeeeeeek – In 1885, LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented his roller coaster structure.
UCLA vs Houston – In 1968, the college basketball Game of the Century was played.

 

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