The America's National Parks Podcast is sponsored by L.L. Bean, dedicated to helping you experience

all the benefits of time outside and stay more comfortable while you're out there.

From soft and breathable active wear designed to do it all, to just right layers perfect for

changing weather, to sun-smart clothing that blocks the sun's harmful rays.

Every L.L. bean product is made with comfortable time outside in mind.

Visit L.L bean B. an outsider. The sun can rise and set on this island nation in the middle of the Pacific

known for its rainforest paradise and tropical reefs. These islands were

originally settled by Polynesians more than 3,000 years ago

and continue to carry traditional Polynesian culture today. Colorful tropical reefs

are part of the 4,000 acres of National Park that is

underwater, though even reefs are threatened by human-caused climate change.

While we love to travel by RV here at America's National Parks, this one is only

accessible by playing. I'm Jason Epperson and this week on the America's

National Parks Podcast we take a deep dive into the American Samoa.

In 1722, Yachab Rogavain, a Dutch navigator, spotted Samoa from his expedition vessel.

Other European explorers and traitors followed throughout the century, and in the 1830s the London Missionary Society

sent its first representatives to the island. In the late 1800s the United States

wanted to create a naval station in Pagopago Harbor on the main island of

Titulia and signed a treaty for that right in 1878.

Colonial powers reached another agreement in 1899 which divided Samoa by spheres of influence.

The United States took control of the Eastern Islands while Germany gained control of the Western.

Later, the chiefs of the islands formally ceded the land

...