30 Unique and Interesting Facts About Ascension Island
Ascension Island, a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, may be small, but it’s filled with fascinating history, unique wildlife, and surprising stories. From its volcanic landscapes and secretive role in major historical events to its unusual ecosystems, Ascension is a hidden gem with many secrets. Here are 30 unique, unknown facts that reveal the island's intriguing past and present.
1. A Man-Made Green Oasis
Originally barren and lacking trees, Ascension Island was “greened” in the 19th century as part of an ambitious project led by botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. In the 1850s, the British introduced plants from all over the world to turn Green Mountain into a forested landscape. Today, it has tropical and semi-tropical plants like bamboo, banana, and Norfolk pines, creating a lush, man-made rainforest. This experimental ecosystem has thrived, forming one of the most unique habitats in the world, where plants that never coexisted elsewhere grow side by side, transforming Green Mountain into a surprising green oasis.
2. A Strategic WWII Base
During World War II, Ascension Island became a strategic point for the Allied forces. The island’s Wideawake Airfield served as a refueling stop for aircraft flying between Africa and South America, connecting essential transatlantic routes. Wideawake quickly grew into one of the busiest wartime airfields, handling up to 100 planes per day. Its strategic location proved vital in supporting the Allied push, helping transport troops and supplies. After the war, the airfield was maintained for future operations, and it remains active today as RAF Ascension Island, continuing its legacy as a key military location.
3. The Birthplace of Turtle Conservation
Ascension is an important nesting ground for the endangered green sea turtle, which migrates here from Brazil. Once hunted nearly to extinction, the turtle population has rebounded due to conservation efforts. Ascension’s Green Turtle Conservation Project monitors nesting turtles, protects their eggs, and works to educate the public on the importance of marine preservation. During nesting season, thousands of turtles come ashore, with Turtle Beach and Long Beach being prime nesting sites. These efforts have made Ascension a beacon for turtle conservation and a model for preserving endangered species on isolated islands.
4. Secret Military Communications
Ascension Island played a key role in global communications, particularly during the Cold War. Located midway between continents, it housed antennas and relay stations for top-secret transmissions. The BBC World Service broadcasted news from the island, reaching remote listeners worldwide. It also supported communication between the UK and its allies, serving as a strategic relay point. Even today, Ascension remains a communications hub, linking continents through powerful antennas and satellite dishes. Its isolation and strategic location have made it an essential but little-known piece of global communications infrastructure for over half a century.
5. A Link to Napoleon
Ascension Island has an unexpected link to Napoleon Bonaparte. After his exile to St. Helena in 1815, British forces occupied Ascension to prevent French escape attempts or rescue missions. Ascension was designated "HMS Ascension" and operated as a stone frigate (a stationary ship), with a British garrison monitoring surrounding waters. Though Napoleon never set foot on Ascension, it became an essential surveillance post, keeping an eye on ships passing near St. Helena. The British garrison remained until 1922, a reminder of how the island played an unlikely role in the final chapter of Napoleon’s life.
6. One of the World’s Busiest Airfields (Briefly)
During World War II, Wideawake Airfield on Ascension Island became one of the busiest airfields in the world. Planes flew missions and transported supplies between the Americas, Africa, and Europe, with up to 400 flights per day during peak times. Its critical location midway between continents made it invaluable for military operations. The airfield’s intense activity set records for flight volume in a location so isolated. After the war, the airfield scaled down but remains in use, a critical stopover point for British and American military flights, as well as some commercial flights.
7. The Sooty Tern Colony
Wideawake Airfield gets its name from the sooty tern, locally known as the “wideawake” bird because of its loud calls. The island is home to one of the largest colonies of sooty terns in the world, with hundreds of thousands nesting annually on its lava plains. The terns arrive in such numbers that the ground becomes a noisy, bustling sea of activity. Sooty terns have a unique life cycle, spending long periods at sea before returning to Ascension to breed. This natural spectacle draws researchers and nature enthusiasts, making the tern colony a unique ecological highlight.
8. No Native Land Animals
Ascension Island has no native land animals—its isolation prevented mammals, reptiles, or amphibians from evolving here. When the British settled the island in the 1800s, they introduced goats, cats, and rabbits, but none were native to Ascension. The island’s wildlife instead consists of migratory birds, marine animals, and various insects. Over time, non-native species, including some invasive insects, have posed challenges to Ascension’s ecosystem, particularly impacting native plant life. Conservationists work to manage these species to help maintain Ascension’s unique balance between introduced flora and its native, seabird-centric environment.
9. Home to NASA’s Apollo Missions
Ascension Island was crucial to NASA’s Apollo space missions during the 1960s and 1970s. Due to its location, the island’s tracking station helped monitor rockets and communicate with astronauts as they orbited Earth. Its station on South Gannett Hill tracked Apollo 11’s successful mission to the moon, serving as an early relay in space communications. In addition, the airfield was a backup emergency landing site for the space shuttle. Ascension’s role in the Apollo missions underscores its importance in space exploration and the global communications network, even in the most remote locations.
10. The Mystery of Boatswainbird Island
Off Ascension’s northeast coast lies Boatswainbird Island, a small, rugged islet known for its large seabird colonies. This island is a haven for species like masked boobies, red-footed boobies, and frigatebirds, some of which are rare. Boatswainbird is one of the few islands with no invasive predators, which has allowed seabird populations to thrive undisturbed. It’s closed to visitors to protect its ecosystem, and only researchers are permitted to land there. Its pristine environment has made Boatswainbird a valuable ecological research site and a sanctuary for bird species that struggle to survive elsewhere.
11. The Green Sea Turtle Migration
Every year, thousands of green sea turtles migrate over 1,400 miles from Brazil to nest on Ascension’s beaches, one of the longest migrations of any marine animal. Turtles return to the same beaches where they hatched, guided by Earth’s magnetic fields. Ascension’s remote beaches, especially Long Beach, offer ideal nesting conditions, and conservation efforts have helped maintain a stable turtle population. Visitors can witness this awe-inspiring event during nesting season, observing these endangered turtles as they lay their eggs—a testament to the island’s importance as a safe haven for marine life.
12. Ascension’s Volcanic Past
Ascension Island was born from volcanic activity approximately one million years ago. Green Mountain is its highest point, but the island has over 40 volcanic cones scattered across its rocky landscape. Despite the island’s dry climate and volcanic origins, eruptions are thought to have ceased around 600 years ago, leaving the landscape untouched. The volcanic plains and rocky shores give Ascension its otherworldly appearance, attracting geologists and adventure-seeking tourists. Though volcanic activity has been dormant, the island’s dramatic terrain is a reminder of its fiery beginnings.
13. A Refuge for Rare Ferns
One of the ecological surprises of Green Mountain’s artificial forest is the survival of rare tropical ferns. After the British introduced trees and plants to the mountain, unique species began thriving, including ferns once thought extinct. Conservationists have since protected these ferns, which have adapted to Green Mountain’s unique microclimate. Ascension’s ferns provide a fascinating glimpse into how introduced plant life has shaped its ecosystem and supported the growth of flora that might not have survived otherwise, making Green Mountain one of the most unusual botanical sites on Earth.
14. Ancient Polynesian Petroglyphs
While there’s no evidence of permanent settlements by Polynesian navigators, ancient petroglyphs were discovered in the 20th century near South Gannet Hill. These carvings are thought to have been created by early Polynesian explorers, who likely stopped on the island for fresh water and supplies. The petroglyphs depict simple shapes and animals, possibly linked to navigation. These markings offer a fascinating connection to the ancient Pacific and the navigation skills of Polynesian voyagers, hinting that Ascension might have been part of their vast oceanic travels.
15. The Island’s Dark Skies
Ascension Island has one of the world’s clearest skies, thanks to its isolation and lack of light pollution. Stargazers and astronomers prize its skies, as Ascension is an ideal location for viewing stars, planets, and meteor showers. With little to no artificial light, visitors are treated to breathtaking night skies that showcase the Milky Way in detail rarely seen. The island’s dark skies also benefit sea turtles and birds, as the lack of light pollution preserves their natural behaviors, helping Ascension remain a sanctuary for both wildlife and stargazers alike.
16. Home to the Ascension Frigatebird
The Ascension frigatebird, endemic to the island, is a large seabird with a wingspan of over 7 feet. Once endangered due to habitat loss, the bird has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Boatswainbird Island provides a critical breeding ground for these rare frigatebirds, where they nest alongside other seabirds. Conservationists continue to protect their habitats from invasive species and environmental threats, ensuring the frigatebird’s survival. Today, the Ascension frigatebird is a symbol of the island’s successful preservation efforts and a testament to its ecological importance.
17. Ascension’s Historic Letterbox Trail
Ascension Island is home to the Letterbox Trail, a unique hiking experience where visitors can explore the island’s scenic landscapes and collect stamps from “letterboxes” placed along the trail. Modeled after an old British tradition, the letterboxes are hidden at various points of interest across the island, each containing a stamp and a notebook. Hikers stamp their personal logbooks at each location, making the trail a fun, interactive way to see Ascension’s natural beauty and historical landmarks. The Letterbox Trail is one of the most unique ways to experience the island’s rugged terrain.
18. The Sacred Groves of Green Mountain
During the 19th-century forestation project, Ascension’s Green Mountain became home to several “sacred groves,” areas planted with a variety of trees to test which species could thrive. These groves contain diverse plant life, from tropical to temperate species, that has since flourished in the volcanic soil and humid climate of Green Mountain. Over time, these groves have become their own unique ecosystems, offering refuge to many birds and insects. Walking through the sacred groves feels like entering another world, a blend of rainforest and experiment that has taken on a life of its own.
19. The Phantom Post Office
Ascension Island had one of the world’s most unusual post offices. Known as the Phantom Post Office, this unofficial “post” was operated by the crew of passing ships who volunteered to carry letters for island residents. This informal system was especially useful in the 19th century when the island had no formal postal service. Mail could be delivered to Europe or America, though it sometimes took months. This phantom system contributed to Ascension’s isolation, adding to the island’s lore. Today, the formal post office continues to honor the island’s postal history with unique commemorative stamps.
20. Ascension’s Role in the Falklands War
During the 1982 Falklands War, Ascension Island became a key staging ground for British forces. RAF Ascension provided a crucial refueling stop and logistics hub for aircraft and supplies en route to the South Atlantic. The island’s remote location allowed the British military to operate without interference, while Wideawake Airfield hosted one of the longest bombing missions in history: Operation Black Buck. The operation’s success underscored Ascension’s strategic military value, and it remains a British military base to this day, serving as an important link for overseas deployments and logistics.
21. The Story Behind Comfortless Cove
On the northwestern coast of Ascension lies Comfortless Cove, a serene yet somber location. In the 19th century, the cove was used as a quarantine site for sailors infected with contagious diseases like yellow fever. Those who passed away were buried in a nearby cemetery, a quiet reminder of the island’s harsh history as a quarantine station. Today, Comfortless Cove is a tranquil spot with crystal-clear waters, popular among snorkelers and swimmers. While it offers stunning views, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the sailors who found their final resting place on Ascension’s shores.
22. A Unique Combination of Seasons
Ascension Island’s climate is unique, blending elements of tropical and desert weather. Though it sits near the equator, its volcanic landscape, trade winds, and elevation variations create a mix of arid and lush environments. The coastal areas are dry and barren, while Green Mountain boasts lush, fog-covered forests. This surprising variety of microclimates within such a small area makes Ascension a rare example of ecological diversity, supporting flora and fauna suited to both desert and rainforest conditions. The island’s unpredictable weather adds a fascinating layer to its already unusual ecosystem.
23. Ascension’s ‘Artificial Soil’
When Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker and Charles Darwin proposed greening Ascension Island, they realized the volcanic rock lacked essential nutrients for plants. To create viable soil, they introduced layers of organic material, including plant remains and imported earth, which began to transform the rocky landscape. Over time, Green Mountain’s slopes became fertile enough to support lush vegetation, a rarity on a volcanic island. Today, this “artificial soil” is a remarkable example of human ingenuity in ecology and highlights the island’s unique role as an early experiment in environmental engineering.
24. The Endangered Fairy Terns
The fairy tern is one of Ascension Island’s most charming residents, known for its pure white feathers and hovering flight. Though typically found in the Pacific, a small population thrives on Ascension. Unlike most birds, fairy terns do not build nests; instead, they lay their eggs directly on branches or rocks, relying on their unique behavior to raise chicks in challenging environments. Due to their limited habitat, they are considered vulnerable, and conservationists monitor their numbers closely. The presence of fairy terns on Ascension adds to the island’s ecological diversity and delicate balance.
25. A Stop on the Underwater Fiber-Optic Cable Network
Ascension Island is a key location on the South Atlantic Cable System, a vital underwater fiber-optic network that connects Africa, South America, and Europe. The cable system facilitates global communication by relaying data across continents, and Ascension serves as a central relay point. This makes the island a critical link in international communications, providing secure and high-speed connections that are essential for modern technology. While few know of its importance, Ascension’s role in the cable network underscores its enduring relevance in global infrastructure.
26. No Commercial Agriculture
Unlike many other islands, Ascension has no commercial agriculture. The rugged, volcanic terrain and arid climate make large-scale farming impossible. Most food is imported from the UK, South Africa, and the Falkland Islands. However, residents grow small amounts of fruits and vegetables on Green Mountain, where the climate is more favorable for agriculture. Green Mountain’s community gardens are a testament to the resilience of Ascension’s population, who adapt to the island’s limitations while making the most of its resources. The lack of agriculture adds to Ascension’s mystique and unique way of life.
27. First Steps Toward Space Communications
Ascension Island has been pivotal in space communications for over half a century. In the early 1960s, NASA established a satellite tracking station here to monitor spacecraft and launch trajectories. Its location was ideal for tracking missions in the early stages of space exploration, including Mercury and Gemini missions. The station remains active today, supporting satellite monitoring and global positioning systems. Ascension’s role in space exploration, dating back to the dawn of the space race, makes it one of the most geographically strategic sites for tracking and communication.
28. The Ascension Island Government
Ascension Island is a British Overseas Territory, governed under a unique system that reflects its small population and isolated location. It has its own council and locally elected officials who advise on island matters, although ultimate authority resides with the British-appointed governor. The island is largely self-sufficient and funds local services like education, health care, and infrastructure through revenue from services provided to the UK and U.S. military. This autonomy within the framework of British governance makes Ascension a distinctive example of modern self-governance in an overseas territory.
29. The Ascension Island Obelisk
A stone obelisk sits atop Cross Hill, commemorating the British soldiers who once manned the island as a naval garrison in the 19th century. Constructed by Royal Marines, the monument overlooks Comfortless Cove and serves as a historical marker honoring the island’s military heritage. With its stark design and isolated location, the obelisk stands as a tribute to the men who defended Ascension’s shores, especially during the height of the Napoleonic Wars. Today, it remains a quiet reminder of Ascension’s role as a remote outpost in British military history.
30. The First Marine Protected Area in the Atlantic
In 2019, Ascension Island declared over half of its waters a Marine Protected Area (MPA), creating the largest MPA in the Atlantic Ocean at the time. Spanning 443,000 square kilometers, it protects Ascension’s rich marine biodiversity, including endangered species like green turtles, humpback whales, and unique fish species. The designation aims to preserve Ascension’s marine life for future generations, making it a leader in ocean conservation. This MPA underscores Ascension’s commitment to environmental stewardship, safeguarding one of the Atlantic’s most important ecosystems and setting a global example in marine protection.
Ascension Island may be small, but it has a big history and a fascinating role in the world’s natural and technological landscapes. From its WWII legacy and volcanic past to its unique wildlife and conservation efforts, this remote island is rich in mystery and wonder. Whether you’re captivated by its natural beauty, strategic significance, or conservation initiatives, Ascension Island’s story is unlike any other.
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