Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, between Haiti and Jamaica, lies the little-known yet historically significant Navassa Island. Despite its small size, Navassa Island has a fascinating past, rich biodiversity, and a unique geopolitical status that has sparked international interest. This uninhabited island, covering just 5.4 square kilometers (2.1 square miles), remains one of the most mysterious territories in the region.

Here are five fascinating facts that make Navassa Island a must-know destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventurers alike.

1. A Contested Territory with a Unique Legal Status

Navassa Island is currently an unincorporated territory of the United States, but its sovereignty has been a matter of dispute for years. Historically, Haiti has claimed the island as part of its national territory, arguing that it was included in the country’s boundaries under an 1801 decree by Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution.

However, in 1857, the United States claimed Navassa Island under the Guano Islands Act, a law that allowed American citizens to take possession of unclaimed islands rich in guano deposits. Despite protests from Haiti, the U.S. maintains control over Navassa Island, which is currently managed as a protected wildlife refuge by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

2. A Goldmine of Guano in the 19th Century

One of the key reasons Navassa Island attracted attention in the 19th century was its abundant guano deposits. Guano, the accumulated excrement of seabirds and bats, was a highly sought-after fertilizer due to its high nitrogen and phosphorus content.

After the U.S. claimed the island, it became the site of intensive guano mining operations. The Navassa Phosphate Company established a colony on the island, bringing in workers—many of whom were African American laborers—to extract and ship guano back to the mainland.

However, conditions on Navassa Island were harsh. The extreme heat, lack of fresh water, and brutal labor conditions led to a worker rebellion in 1889, known as the Navassa Island Riot. This event led to the trial of the workers in the U.S., drawing attention to the exploitation of laborers on remote islands. By the early 20th century, as synthetic fertilizers replaced guano, mining ceased, and Navassa Island was abandoned.

3. A Haven for Unique Wildlife and Marine Life

Today, Navassa Island remains uninhabited by humans, allowing its ecosystem to thrive without major disturbances. The island’s rugged limestone cliffs, dry forests, and coastal marine environments provide an ideal habitat for a variety of rare species.

Several species of seabirds, lizards, and crabs are found on Navassa Island, including the Navassa Curly-tailed Lizard (Leiocephalus eremitus), a species once thought to be extinct. The surrounding waters are home to a rich marine ecosystem, featuring coral reefs, sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.

Because of its unique biodiversity, Navassa Island is now designated as the Navassa Island National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. government. The island remains off-limits to the general public, but scientific researchers and conservationists visit periodically to study its pristine environment.

4. Home to an Abandoned Lighthouse with a Mysterious Past

One of the most striking human-made structures on Navassa Island is the Navassa Island Lighthouse. Built in 1917, this 162-foot-tall (49-meter) lighthouse was meant to guide ships safely through the dangerous waters between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

Before modern navigational systems, Navassa Island posed a serious threat to maritime traffic due to its location near busy shipping routes. The lighthouse, operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service, played a crucial role in preventing shipwrecks.

However, by the early 20th century, technological advancements reduced the need for the lighthouse, and it was abandoned. Today, the skeletal remains of the Navassa Island Lighthouse stand as a ghostly reminder of the island’s maritime history, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

5. An Important Marine Conservation Zone

With minimal human interference, Navassa Island has become an important marine conservation zone. Its coral reefs remain among the healthiest in the Caribbean, serving as a breeding ground for various fish species and a critical habitat for endangered marine life.

Scientists consider Navassa Island an ecological treasure, as it offers insight into how coral reefs and island ecosystems function without human impact. Conservation efforts have focused on studying the island’s environment to better understand climate change, ocean acidification, and biodiversity preservation.

While tourism to Navassa Island is prohibited, its ecological importance continues to attract researchers eager to uncover the secrets of this untouched Caribbean paradise.

Conclusion

Despite being one of the least-known islands in the Caribbean, Navassa Island has a rich history and an extraordinary natural ecosystem. From its controversial territorial status and guano mining past to its thriving wildlife and abandoned lighthouse, this mysterious island remains a fascinating piece of history and nature.

As global conservation efforts expand, Navassa Island serves as a living laboratory for scientists and an example of what an undisturbed natural ecosystem can look like. Whether for its history, its breathtaking marine life, or its mystical isolation, Navassa Island remains one of the most intriguing and untouched locations in the Caribbean.