Wake Island, a remote atoll located in the western Pacific Ocean, became a significant addition to U.S. territory on January 17, 1899, when Captain H.W. McKee of the USS Bennington landed on the uninhabited island. This event was a direct result of expanding U.S. interests in the Pacific during the late 19th century, as the country sought to establish a stronger presence in the region following the Spanish-American War. With rapid industrial growth and an increasingly powerful navy, the U.S. government recognized the necessity of coaling stations to support its naval fleet and commercial shipping routes. Wake Island, lying approximately halfway between Asia and the United States, fit this strategy perfectly.

The formal act of claiming the island included McKee raising the American flag, symbolizing sovereignty over the territory. This act marked a significant point in the U.S. territorial expansion in the Pacific and was in line with similar acquisitions during that period, such as Guam and the Philippines. The Navy's interest in Wake Island grew as it became clear that the island could serve not only as a coaling station but also as a potential military outpost to protect Pacific shipping lanes and project American power in East Asia.

The strategic importance of Wake Island was further recognized as global conflicts evolved in the 20th century. As technology advanced, the island transitioned into an airbase that would play a role during World War II, most notably facing Japanese forces. The legacy of Wake Island continues to resonate in modern military strategies and discussions about U.S. presence in the Pacific, illustrating how 19th-century territorial claims laid the groundwork for future conflicts and geopolitical engagements.