Background: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century the island was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II but has since been rebuilt; it is named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is administered by the US Department of the Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge.
Natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Geography Note: almost totally covered with grasses prostrate vines and low-growing shrubs; small area of trees in the center; primarily a nesting roosting and foraging habitat for seabirds shorebirds and marine wildlife
Population Note: American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2001 est.)
Airports: airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN - they left Lae New Guinea for Howland Island but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable (2000 est.)