Meyerton, Baker Island


Meyerton is a former settlement on Baker Island. The town was named for Captain H. A. Meyer, United States Army, who in 1935 assisted in establishing living quarters and rainwater cisterns for colonists arriving on the island for the purpose of mining the guano deposits. It was located on the west side of the island, at an elevation of above sea level.

History

In 1935 American colonists arrived aboard the USCGC Itasca, the same vessel that brought colonists to neighboring Howland Island, on April 3, 1935. They built substantial dwellings and structures. In December 1941, most of the buildings were destroyed by the Japanese military, and in January 1942, the residents were evacuated.