Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography, & More · Gary Arndt

Uninhabited US Territories: America's Crumbs

March 21, 2026·15 min·1 clip

Discover how bird poop led the U.S. to claim remote islands most citizens have never heard of.

This episode explores uninhabited U.S. territories, detailing their origins under the 1856 Guano Islands Act, which allowed claims for bird manure deposits. It covers islands like Wake, Midway, and Johnson Atoll, highlighting their roles in WWII, nuclear testing, and current status as wildlife refuges.

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