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Heritage destination · UM

Plan a roots trip to U.S. Outlying Islands

Remote U.S. islands: sparse settlement, unique military and scientific heritage.

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The U.S. Outlying Islands comprise several small, mostly uninhabited territories across the Pacific and Caribbean—including Wake Island, Midway Atoll, the Line Islands, and others. Most are closed to the public or accessible only with special permission due to their remote location, ecological sensitivity, or active military use. For family historians, these islands rarely appear in genealogical records unless ancestors worked there in military, scientific, or administrative roles during the 20th century. If your family has a connection to these islands, records are typically held by U.S. federal archives and military repositories rather than local institutions. Access to the islands themselves is severely restricted.

Most U.S. Outlying Islands are restricted-access areas; some host active military installations or protected ecosystems. Civilian visitation is rare and requires advance authorization.

Genealogy highlights

  • Military and federal employment records (servicemen, administrators, contractors)
  • Limited civil registration; births and deaths often recorded federally
  • U.S. National Archives records for territorial administration and personnel
  • Military base records and historical rosters for stationed personnel
  • Newspaper archives and personnel lists from scientific expeditions

Record types to know

  • U.S. federal employment records
  • Military service records
  • Civil registration (births, deaths, marriages)
  • Military base archives
  • Personnel rosters and logbooks

Heritage trip tips

  • Most islands are closed to civilian visitors; verify access permissions well in advance with relevant U.S. federal agencies
  • Wake Island and Midway Atoll may permit authorized visits; inquire with the military or Department of Interior
  • No commercial lodging or services exist on most islands; any visit requires military or governmental sponsorship
  • Plan for extreme isolation, limited transportation, and self-sufficiency if access is granted

Practical notes

  • Contact the U.S. National Archives (College Park, Maryland) for civilian and military records related to these territories
  • Military records may require FOIA requests if not yet declassified
  • Scientific expedition rosters and historical documents are sometimes held by institutions sponsoring the work
  • Family connections to these islands are uncommon; verify ancestor involvement before extensive research

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