Day 211: Sella Bay, Humåtak, Guam
📌APIA Every Day (211) - Sella Bay, situated on Guam's southwestern coast, was originally the site of a CHamoru village called Sidya. During the Spanish-CHamoru Wars of the 17th century, Sidya aligned with the Spanish against neighboring villages. Notably, it was one of the few places where Spanish authorities recognized the authority of a Maga'haga, a female political leader in CHamoru society. Following the wars, as part of the Spanish colonial strategy, the CHamoru inhabitants were forcibly relocated to new settlements where they could be more easily monitored.
The Spanish colonial era brought significant changes to the area. In the 18th century, a coastal highway was constructed to connect the galleon port of Humåtak with the capital of Hagåtña. A key feature of this road was the Spanish Bridge at Sella Bay, measuring 96 feet on its inland side and 36 feet on its seaward side, with a roadway width of 11 feet 6 inches. A Spanish settlement was also established near the bridge, of which only a stone oven remains today.
Sella Bay's archaeological significance extends beyond its colonial structures. The area contains ancient CHamoru artifacts and latte stones, the distinctive pillars that supported traditional CHamoru buildings. In the 1970s, Sella Bay became the focus of a community-led campaign against U.S. military plans to construct an ammunition wharf in the area. A coalition of educators, political leaders, and activists successfully opposed the development, leading to the wharf being built in Apra Harbor instead.
Currently, Sella Bay serves as both a historical site and a natural preserve. The Spanish Bridge, the remnants of the colonial settlement, and the ancient CHamoru artifacts remain accessible to researchers and visitors. The bay is part of a hiking trail that includes the nearby Cetti Bay, offering access to both historical sites and natural landscapes.
LEARN MORE:
Guam Museum Foundation: Sella Bay was a village known as Sidya prior to Spanish colonization
On Walkabout: The Sella Bay to Cetti Bay Trail
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