Navassa Island

Navassa is an uninhabited island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands, located between Jamaica and Haiti. White limestone cliffs rise straight from deep water and enclose a plateau covered with grasslands, scattered fig trees, and cactus plants.

Peter Duncan claimed the island for the United States in 1857 under the Guano Islands Act, which allowed phosphate mining operations until 1898. A revolt by Maryland workers took place there in 1889 because of harsh conditions in the mines.

The Navassa Island Rebellion of 1889 started when Maryland laborers protested against harsh working conditions during the phosphate mining period.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages access and requires permits for any activities in the waters around the island. A visit is extremely difficult because of the location and protection regulations.

The island now serves as a National Wildlife Refuge and protects habitats for seabirds within a 12 nautical mile (about 22 kilometer) radius. Remains of old lighthouses and mining facilities are still visible on the plateau.

Location: United States Minor Outlying Islands

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 69 m

Part of: Greater Antilles, US Caribbean

GPS coordinates: 18.40270,-75.01260

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01