Kwajalein Atoll US National Historic Landmark District

The Kwajalein Atoll US National Historic Landmark District is a designation that covers World War II and related historic sites across Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The district recognises extensive wartime remains including fortifications, airfields and sunken vessels.

The area contains Japanese and American military infrastructure and wrecks from the Pacific campaign; many features are dispersed across the atoll’s numerous islets and reefs. Portions of the atoll are also used for modern U.S. military and missile-tracking activities.

During World War II the atoll was a major Japanese garrison and was taken by U.S. forces in early 1944 during the central Pacific offensive. After the war the atoll’s islands were reused for Cold War and later missile-range purposes, which has affected access to several historic locations.

Geographically the atoll lies in the central Pacific within the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands and consists of a ring of low coral islets surrounding a large lagoon. Many of the identified historic sites are located on key islands such as Kwajalein and Roi-Namur.

• Scattered historic sites: Many World War II battle sites, sunken vessels and fortifications are distributed across multiple islets within the historic district.
• Restricted access: Access is limited in places because parts of the atoll are used for U.S. military and missile test operations.

What to See #

• Kwajalein Island: The main inhabited island and logistics centre for the atoll, hosting support facilities and infrastructure related to range operations.
• Roi-Namur: Two linked islets in the northern atoll that contain extensive World War II-era airfield remains, bunkers and other military ruins.
• Reagan Test Site: A U.S.-operated ballistic missile test and tracking complex located on parts of the atoll that also contain historic war sites and restricted areas.