Government House

Government House is a wood frame building with a cruciform shape, mounted on concrete piers and covered with a corrugated metal roof and clapboard siding. The two-story structure serves as both the Governor's residence and the center for administrative operations.

Built in 1903 under Admiral Uriel Sebree's direction, the structure marked the beginning of United States Navy administration following agreements in 1899. It symbolizes American territorial control of the island group at the start of the 20th century.

The building houses public rooms including a formal sitting room and a space decorated with tapa cloth and local artifacts that reflect Samoan artistic traditions. These spaces show how Western administrative functions blend with local customs in daily island life.

The site sits on Observatory Point overlooking Pago Pago Bay and its surrounding waters. Visitors should be aware that this is an active government facility, so access may be limited or require advance permission.

The building is anchored with 10-foot (3-meter) metal spikes driven into the ground for protection against hurricane-force winds. This unusual anchoring method shows how construction was adapted to survive the extreme weather conditions of the South Pacific island region.

Location: American Samoa

GPS coordinates: -14.27944,-170.70056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06