Ngarchelong History: An Overview of the Micronesian Island
Ngarchelong is an island located in the Caroline Islands, a part of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is home to a population of about 1,000 people who are mainly of the Ngatpang and Sonsorolese ethnicities. The island’s history is closely tied to the history of the other islands in the Caroline Islands, as well as to the history of the entire Micronesian region.
The first known inhabitants of Ngarchelong were the ancient Chamorro people, who are believed to have migrated to the island around 1000 B.C.E. The Chamorro people were a seafaring people and were known for their seafaring prowess. They were also known for their fishing and farming skills, as well as their ability to make pottery and other crafts.
The first European contact with Ngarchelong came in 1521, when the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the area. He named the island “Isla de los Reyes” (Island of the Kings) and claimed it for Spain. The Spanish established a trading post on the island, but it was abandoned shortly thereafter.
In the mid-1700s, the island was colonized by the Spanish and the island was renamed “Isla de los Reyes y los Santos” (Island of the Kings and the Saints). The Spanish introduced Catholicism to the island, and the islanders embraced the religion. The islanders also adopted many of the Spanish customs, including their language.
In 1885, Ngarchelong was annexed by Germany, and the islanders were forced to accept German rule. The islanders were not happy with the German rule, and many of them fled to other islands in the region.
In 1899, Ngarchelong was sold to Japan, and the islanders were forced to accept Japanese rule. The Japanese introduced a number of educational and cultural reforms to the island, and the islanders adopted many of the Japanese customs.
After World War II, Ngarchelong was placed under US administration. The islanders were given the right to self-governance and the island was granted independence in 1986. Today, Ngarchelong is a self-governing island that is part of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Ngarchelong has a rich history that is closely tied to the history of the entire Micronesian region. The islanders have a deep connection to their culture and traditions, and they are proud of their heritage. The islanders are also proud of their ability to adapt to the changing times and to embrace new cultures and ideas.