Fakaofo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fakaofo, formerly known as Bowditch Island, is a South Pacific Ocean atoll located at 171° 15' West, 9° 25' South in the Tokelau Group. The actual land area is only about 3 km², consisting of islets on a coral reef surrounding a central lagoon of some 45 km².
The main settlement on the island is on Fakaofo Islet, towards the western side of the atoll. To the west of it is the relatively large Fenua Fala Islet. Other islets in the group include Teafua, Nukumatau, Nukulakia, Fenua Loa, Saumatafanga, Motu Akea, Matangi, Lalo, and Mulifenua.
Previously known as Bowditch for its discoverer, this island was visited by the American ship Peacock which was part of the first American voyage of discovery~ The United States Navy Exploring Expedition, or simply the Ex Ex, 1838-1842, Charles Wikes Commanding. The author of a first hand account entitled Twenty Years Before The Mast, one Charles Erskine, wrote that "The people found on this island had no knowledge of fire, which I believe, is the only instance of the kind on record." Twenty Years Before The Mast, George W. Jacobs & Co, Philadelphia, 1896
