What is Courthouse of American Samoa?
This was the first courthouse built in American Samoa after becoming a U.S. Territory!
What Makes It Historical?
Following the signing of the Treaty of Cession of Tutuila on April 17, 1900, the U.S. Government set about securing its military and governing presence on the island of Tutuila. A courthouse was a priority for sure! Though exact records have been lost, it was likely begun in mid-1900, because by August, first judge, Edwin William Gurr, was already reviewing cases! It wasn’t just a courthouse, though! It also housed offices for the Commandant-Governor, Aide to the Governor, Chaplain, Disbursing Officer, Judge / Secretary of Native Affairs, Attorney General, Prosecutor, Head of the Police Department, Court Clerk, Tax and Passport Clerk, and the captain of the yard! It also housed a library!
Befitting its many offices, this courthouse was the scene of a wide variety of events, from court martials to marriages to diplomatic meetings between U.S. officials and native Samoans, to annual island meetings called Fono! As one of the island’s oldest standing buildings, the wooden courthouse has amazingly withstood two world wars, tons of tropical rain, dozens of hurricanes, and bugs of all sizes, and come out looking ready for hearings as ever!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
The courthouse doesn’t have a numbered address, so it’s here:
-14.277754991517734, -170.69035313803246
Fagatogo, AS 96799
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM!