Northern Mariana Islands · MP
Rota
Luta, the quiet Marianas island never invaded.
- First European landing
- 1524
- Japanese surrender
- September 2, 1945
Then
- 1524
Juan Sebastián Elcano lands and claims Rota for Spain.
- 1899
Spain sells the island to Germany. Japan takes control after World War I.
- 1945
Bombed but never invaded, the Japanese garrison surrenders on September 2.
- 1978
Rota joins the Northern Mariana Islands.
Now
Sinapalo and Songsong are the main villages. Visitors swim in the "swimming hole," a natural seawater pool.