By: J. Guthrie Proofread by: J. Cole, D. Browning, L. Lee Pearl Harbor By: J. Guthrie Proofread by: J. Cole, D. Browning, L. Lee

What is it? Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor on the island of Hawaii. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the United States Pacific Fleet.

Where is it? On the island of Oahu, Hawaii. West of Honolulu.

History Just before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The barrage lasted just two hours, but it was devastating. The Japanese managed to destroy nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and almost 200 airplanes. More than 2,000 Americans soldiers and sailors died, and 1,000 were wounded. The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. The Congress approved. More than two years into the conflict, America had finally joined World War II.

Know Before You Go Arrive Early! There is a limited number of walk-in tickets available each day. Bags are prohibited due to strict security measures. You are expected to dress nice. Bathing suits are prohibited and t-shirts are discouraged.