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Yigo, Guam

Coordinates: 13°32′04″N 144°53′08″E / 13.53444°N 144.88556°E / 13.53444; 144.88556
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Yigo, Guam
Village
Ritidian Point, the northernmost point on Guam, in the Guam National Wildlife Refuge
Ritidian Point, the northernmost point on Guam, in the Guam National Wildlife Refuge
Flag of Yigo, Guam
Flag
Location of Yigo within the Territory of Guam.
Location of Yigo within the Territory of Guam.
CountryUnited States
TerritoryGuam
Government
 • MayorRudy M. Matanane (R)
 • Vice MayorAnthony "Tony" P. Sanchez (R)
Area
 • Total35 sq mi (90 km2)
Elevation
1,232,133 ft (375,554 m)
Population
 (2010)[1]
 • Total20,539
Time zoneUTC+10 (ChST)

Yigo, Guam (Chamorro: Yigu; pronounced /ˈdʒiːɡoʊ/) is the northernmost village of the United States territory of Guam, and is the location of Andersen Air Force Base. The municipality of Yigo is larger than any other village on the island in terms of area. It contains a number of populated places, including Asatdas and Agafo Gumas.

History

Further information: History of Guam

The origin of the name "Yigo" is contested. Some state that it is derived from the Spanish word yugo, meaning "yoke". However, some sources refer to the area as Asyigo, meaning "the home of the person Yigo." Any record of such a person has been lost.[2]

Before contact with Europeans, Yigo had a large number of villages. Latte stone structure remnants around Mount Santa Rosa and Mataguac indicate significant populations. During the Spanish-Chamorro Wars of the late seventeenth century, settlements in Yigo included Hanom, Tarague, Hinapsan, and Upi (now Northwest Field). Hanom, in particular, was a critical refuge because of its freshwater spring. The August 1679 defeat of the CHamorus at Hanom by a force of Spaniards and their allies from Nisihan led by José de Quiroga y Losada was one of the fiercest battles of the conflict. Following the subjugation of the CHamoru, the much reduced population was relocated to six villages centered on churches in the center and south of the island. Northern areas, including Yigo, were open to hunters and fishermen but not settlement.[2]

In the early nineteenth century, wealthy residents of Hagåtña began purchasing fertile land in Yigo for agricultural uses. The area became known for producing cocoa beans, used to make hot chocolate for Hagåtña residents, as well as coffee, avocado, citrus, and copra. Upi was an important center of cattle ranching, while copra plantations were located along the northern coast, in particular. Following the Spanish–American War and beginning of the American administration, some CHamorus began to permanently settle in the north. The first elementary school in the area opened in 1912 and, in 1919, the U.S. administration authorized 25-year land use permits in Yigo. Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel was constructed in 1920; previously, Yigo residents journeyed to Hagåtña for mass. The first village store was started in 1925. However, by 1940, Yigo remained sparsely population with about 40 families.[2]

Burning U.S. tanks in Yigo during the Battle of Guam (1944)

During the Japanese occupation of Guam from 1941 to 1944, some Hagåtña residents moved to Yigo to get away from the occupying Japanese force.[2] The village was the site of a concentration camp during Japanese occupation of the island.[citation needed] The final battle between Japanese and American forces during the Battle of Guam occurred in Yigo on August 7 and 8, 1944, resulting in the destruction of the chapel and many homes.[2] The South Pacific Memorial Peace Park was built by the Japanese Government and is dedicated to the many Japanese and American soldiers who died in the battle of Guam.

Northwest Field, an abandoned airfield constructed in 1944-45, is located on the site of the Spanish-era settlement of Upi

Following the war, the population of Yigo soared, first as it accommodated displaced persons from the south and then non-CHamorus who moved to Guam. The economy reoriented from agriculture towards the presence of Andersen Air Force Base and the population continued to grow with the construction of housing subdivisions throughout the village.[2]

On October 7, 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced that they would be building a temple in Yigo, Guam.[3]

Education

Simon Sanchez High School

Yigo, served by the Guam Department of Education, has several kindergarten through 5th grade elementary schools:

  • Daniel L. Perez Elementary School (formerly Yigo Elementary School)
  • Machananao Elementary School
  • Upi Elementary School
  • F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, formerly an elementary school until 1981, when it was converted into a middle school, and Simon Sanchez High School are in Yigo. Sanchez opened as a junior high school in 1974; the school became a high school in 1982 to serve north-eastern Guam.[4]

Simon Sanchez became a high school in 1982. The first graduating class graduated in May 1983.

Mayor of Yigo

Commissioner/Mayor

Name Term begin Term end Party
Commissioner of Yigo
Juan A. San Nicolas 1944 1945 N/A
Jesus C. Artero 1945 1948
Manuel A. Calvo 1948 1954
Juan M. Santos 1954 1957
Jose D. Perez 1957 1965
Juan G. Blas 1965 1968
Antonio A. Calvo 1968 1973
Mayor of Yigo
Antonio A. Calvo January 1, 1973 January 5, 1981 Republican
David G. Blas January 5, 1981 September 6, 1988
Jesus P. Cruz (acting) September 6, 1988 January 2, 1989 N/A
John F. Blas January 2, 1989 January 4, 1993 Democratic
Edward C. Artero January 4, 1993 January 6, 1997 Republican
Robert "Bob" S. Lizama January 6, 1997 January 7, 2013 Democratic
Rudy M. Matanane January 7, 2013 present Republican

Vice Mayor

Name Term begin Term end Party
Ronald J. Flores January 5, 2009 January 7, 2013 Democratic
Anthony "Tony" P. Sanchez January 7, 2013 present Republican

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19607,682—
197011,54250.2%
198010,359−10.2%
199014,21337.2%
200019,47437.0%
201020,5395.5%
Source:[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "2010 Guam Statistical Yearbook" (PDF). Archived July 23, 2014, at the Wayback Machine (4.3 MB), (rev. 2011)
  2. ^ a b c d e f Clement, Jr., Michael R. (9 April 2019). "Yigo (Yigu)". Guampedia. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  3. ^ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  4. ^ "Guam's Public High Schools." Guam Public School System. Accessed September 8, 2008.

Further reading

  • Rogers, Robert F. (1995). Destiny's Landfall: A History of Guam. University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 0-8248-1678-1.

13°32′04″N 144°53′08″E / 13.53444°N 144.88556°E / 13.53444; 144.88556

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