First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858, but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889, but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. Abandoned after World War II, the island is currently a National Wildlife Refuge administered by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.
Equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun.
Sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef. Sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife.
Public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators.
There is a runway of 1,665 m. There is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast.
There is one small boat landing area in the middle of the west coast and another near the southwest corner of the island.
There is no economic activity on Jarvis Island.
There are no public accommodations on Jarvis Island.
There are no natural sources of fresh water on Jarvis Island.