Johnston Island: A Remote Atoll with a Complex History

Located deep in the central Pacific Ocean, Johnston Island is a tiny, uninhabited atoll with a surprisingly complex and significant history. Though small in size, the island has been at the center of critical moments in U.S. military history, environmental conservation efforts, and nuclear testing controversies.

This article will explore Johnston Island’s history, its strategic military importance, its role in nuclear and chemical weapons testing, and its current status as a wildlife refuge.

The Geography of Johnston Island

Johnston Island is part of the Johnston Atoll, a remote cluster of islands and coral reefs located about 825 miles (1,328 km) southwest of Hawaii. The atoll consists of four islands: Johnston Island, Sand Island, Hikina Island, and Akau Island. Together, they cover only 2.8 square miles (7.25 km²), with Johnston Island being the largest.

The atoll is surrounded by a coral reef, and its isolated location has made it both strategically significant and ecologically unique. The atoll was first discovered in 1796 by the American ship Sally, captained by Joseph Pierpont, and was later claimed by the United States in 1858 under the Guano Islands Act, a law that allowed the U.S. to take possession of islands rich in guano deposits (a valuable source of fertilizer).