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15-647: The German Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Kolonia , the capital of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia . Pohnpei and the other Caroline Islands had become a German protectorate in 1899, after the Spanish–American War , and were administered as part of German New Guinea . This cemetery is a historical reminder of the period of German administration, although it was in deteriorated condition in 1976, accessible only by hiking through

30-686: A mangrove swamp , with its wrought iron fence and gate in disrepair. Two German governors were buried here. The cemetery was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1976, when the region was part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands . Kolonia Kolonia Town is located in the north central section of Pohnpei Island . It was formerly part of Nett municipality but has been

45-406: A separate municipality since May 1965. The population of the town was 6,074 (2010 Census). It is the largest population center on Pohnpei and the commercial hub of the island. The land area of Kolonia amounts to 1.5 km , with a large number of buildings lying just outside the town limits. The official languages are Pohnpeian and English. Mercedarian Missionaries speak Spanish. Kolonia's history

60-511: Is an airport located on Pohnpei Island (formerly Ponape), the main island of Pohnpei State . It is close to Palikir , the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia . The extension of the Pohnpei International Airport began in 2009, and it was anticipated that it would be completed in 2011. The Government of Japan has agreed to provide about US$ 29 million for the entire project. The project includes extending

75-550: Is deeply marked by Pohnpei's multiple foreign occupiers, and evidence of their former presence is found throughout the town and island. Traditionally, Pohnpei's power center was in Madolenihmw , on the southeastern part of the island. The area now known as Kolonia was called Mesenieng , which means "face of the wind" or "headwind." Spain first built the town in 1887 as an administrative and military capital and named it Santiago de la Ascensión . A fort, from which ruins known as

90-465: Is in the southeast of the island. Pohnpei State Department of Education operates public schools: Private schools: Lidorkini Museum was located in Kolonia until its closure in 2012. 6°57′50″N 158°12′29″E  /  6.96389°N 158.20806°E  / 6.96389; 158.20806 Pohnpei International Airport Pohnpei International Airport ( IATA : PNI , ICAO : PTPN )

105-731: Is located on the small island Deketik and is connected to Kolonia via the Deketik causeway. The United States, Australia , China and Japan maintain embassies in Kolonia, although the Federation's capital is now at Palikir. A number of foreign volunteer groups operate in Kolonia, including the Peace Corps , the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers ( JOCV or JICA ), WorldTeach , the Red Cross ,

120-496: The Compact of Free Association led to independence in 1986. Today, construction in various parts of town continues and all of Kolonia's primary and secondary streets are paved and street signs erected. Kolonia Town boasts Pohnpei State government offices, public and private schools, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, hotels and houses of worship of various religious denominations. Pohnpei International Airport ( IATA code: PNI)

135-907: The Jesuit Volunteer Corps , the Spanish Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz , the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), and Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA). The Catholic Belltower built by the Germans/Spanish in 1909, the German Cemetery founded in 1910, the Spanish Wall dating from 1887 and the Japanese Shrine built in 1921 are worth a visit in Kolonia itself. The famous archaeological site Nan Madol

150-652: The United Airlines (formerly Continental Micronesia ) Island Hopper flights operated with Boeing 737-800 jetliners between Guam and Honolulu (three times weekly in each direction), the Guam- Chuuk -Pohnpei flights and a flight to Port Moresby on Air Niugini. Also Caroline Islands Air provides charter flights around the region. In addition to passenger services, Asia Pacific Airlines transports cargo (including U.S. mail) to and from Pohnpei. This Federated States of Micronesia location article

165-652: The Spanish Wall remain, was built to protect the colonial government and garrison. In 1899, as a consequence of the Spanish–American War, Germany purchased Pohnpei from Spain along with the rest of the Caroline Islands and established district offices in Kolonia. Roads and wharves were built and buildings erected (a church bell tower and cemetery remain), but the town stayed relatively small as few German or other foreign settlers arrived to live on

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180-403: The infrastructure in addition to establishing settlements elsewhere on Pohnpei. Visitors to Kolonia in the 1930s reported that they were able to walk the length of Namiki Street (now Kaselelhie Street) under shopkeepers' canopies without getting wet in the rain. During World War II , much of Kolonia was destroyed as some 118 tons of American bombs, 600 incendiaries and naval artillery targeted

195-461: The island. Kolonia and northern Pohnpei were devastated by a typhoon in 1905. Japan occupied Pohnpei in the first weeks of World War I as well as other German islands north of the equator. Unlike previous occupiers, the Japanese brought thousands of settlers to Micronesia, who outnumbered the indigenous population on some islands. These settlers, most of whom were Okinawans , vastly expanded

210-468: The runway by 228 m and improving the terminal facilities and apron. Enhancements will help prevent problems such as when a Boeing 727 cargo jet overran the runway and the airport had to be closed for six days in May 2008. Like many islands within the region, commercial air service is rather limited due to small population and tourist traffic. The only current scheduled passenger services for Pohnpei are

225-584: The town and island installations. Pohnpei was bypassed during the amphibious island hopping campaigns, but rusting wrecks of Japanese military equipment, downed airplanes and bunkers are still visible throughout the island. The town was rebuilt and expanded during the US Navy and later the US Department of the Interior administrations. The Federated States of Micronesia Constitutional Referendum and

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