Northern Mariana Islands

Historic sites in Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands preserve a complex history spanning ancient Chamorro culture and the pivotal battles of the Pacific Theater. At Saipan’s northern tip, Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff serve as solemn memorials to the thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers who jumped to their deaths in 1944. Nearby, the Last Command Post occupies a natural limestone cave reinforced as a Japanese military bunker. On Tinian, West Field marks a significant World War II airfield, while Kalabera Cave contains ancient petroglyphs and served as a refuge during wartime.

Historic Sites — Map

A

Banzai Cliff Memorial

A high seaside cliff at the northern end of Saipan where thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers committed suicide in 1944 to avoid capture by American forces. The site now contains several monuments and memorials overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

USAAF / Public domain

B

West Field

West Field is a former World War II airfield on Tinian in the Mariana Islands.

C

Suicide Cliff

Suicide Cliff is a cliff above Marpi Point Field near the northern tip of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, which achieved historic…

D

Last Command Post

A reinforced natural cave at the base of Suicide Cliff that served as the final headquarters for Japanese Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito during the Battle of Saipan. The site still displays rusted tanks, cannons, and artillery remnants.

E

Kalabera Cave

A limestone cave containing ancient Chamorro petroglyphs and skeletal remains. Historically used as a burial site, it also provided shelter for local residents and Japanese soldiers during the 1944 invasion.

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