During the twentieth century, the United States acquired numerous possessions and territories in the Pacific Ocean as a result the Spanish American War and the Second World War. Over time, several of them have become self-governing. Whether they are citizens of independent nations in free association with the United States such as Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, or reside in U.S. territories like Guam and American Samoa, Pacific Islanders from these places can live and work freely in the United States.
The special historical relationship between the U.S. and these Pacific islands has been commemorated on many stamps. Many of these stamps illustrate aspects of Pacific Island heritage, such as traditional canoes and navigational stick charts, that make them distinct.
25¢ Canoe and Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia single, 1990 and
25¢ Stick Chart, Canoe and Flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands single, 1990
In 1986 the United States, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Marshall Islands created the Compact of Free Association, enabling the islands to govern themselves while receiving U.S. defense and other economic aid. The member nations released this joint issue of stamps commemorating the Compact of Free Association in 1990.
29¢ Northern Mariana Islands single, 1993
Now a commonwealth territory of the United States, the Northern Mariana Islands are protected by the U.S., and its inhabitants hold U.S. citizenship. As such, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in 1993 in tribute to the commonwealth’s fourteen islands. This stamp depicts latte stones, a common feature found on the Islands. The ancient stones were created by the indigenous Chamorro people as building supports.
32¢ Republic of Palau single, 1995
In 1994, Palau voted to join the Compact of Free Association, and similar to the FSM and Marshall Islands, the United States and Palau’s postal systems worked together to issue joint stamps in celebration of Palau’s first year of independence. This stamp illustrates Palau’s rich marine life, which draws many tourists and explorers to its islands every year.
33¢ American Samoa single, 2000
This stamp commemorating a century of political affiliation between the U.S. and the Samoan Islands was issued in 2000. It illustrates an alia, or traditional double canoe, sailing with the prevailing easterly wind. Sunuitao Peak, on the island of Ofu, can be seen in the background. The six islands of American Samoa officially became a U.S. territory in 1929.
42¢ American Samoa Flag, Island Peaks and Trees coil single, 2008
The flags of several Pacific Islands were featured in the 2008-2012 “Flags of Our Nation” stamp series, marking the first time the flags of Guam and American Samoa appeared on U.S. postage.
42¢ Guam Flag, Fish and Tropicbird coil single, 2008
