| Baker
Island,
uninhabited island, 1 sq mi (2.6 sq km), central Pacific, near the equator,
c.1,650 mi (2,660 km) SW of Honolulu. The arid coral island was discovered
in 1832 by Capt. Michael Baker, an American, and was claimed by the United
States in 1856. Like Jarvis Island and Howland Island, Baker was worked
for guano by both American and British companies during the 19th cent. In
1935 it was colonized by Americans from Hawaii in order to establish U.S.
control against British claims. The colonists were removed during World
War II. Baker Island is administered under the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. |