The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Guahan

GUAHAN, Guam, or San Juan, the largest and southernmost of the Ladrone islands, in lat. 13° N., lon. 145° E.; pop. about 5,000. It is about 100 m. in circumference, and surrounded by coral reefs. The coasts are broken by several bays, one of which, called Calderon de Apra, is a commodious haven. The S. part of the island is of volcanic formation, and there is also a small volcano in the N., but the shores on this side are high and coralline. The interior is well watered, wooded, and fertile, rice, maize, cacao, sugar cane, indigo, cotton, and fruits growing in profusion. The domestic animals of Europe were imported long ago, but most of them have become wild. The primitive possessors of the island were long since extirpated. The present inhabitants, descendants of Mexicans and Philippine islanders, are peaceable, and are skilful mechanics. The principal place is San Ignazio de Agana, a fortified village of bamboo huts, having a good harbor enclosed by coral reefs. The island was discovered by Magalhaens in 1521.