The discovery and subsequent claim of Midway Atoll by the United States in 1859 marked a significant moment in American territorial expansion in the Pacific. N.C. M. Ingraham, an American naval officer, was instrumental in identifying the atoll during his voyages. The atoll is composed of two small islands, Sand Island and Eastern Island, surrounded by coral reefs and located nearly equidistant between North America and Asia. Ingraham's reports emphasized the strategic advantages of Midway, particularly regarding ship navigation and as a potential coaling station for steamships. The claim asserted U.S. authority over these islands, a critical development in a period where various powers were vying for influence in the Pacific.This acquisition occurred during a time when the United States was looking to enhance its global presence and improve maritime routes. Midway Atoll was seen as ideal for military and commercial interests, which later proved essential, especially during conflicts such as World War II. The incorporation of Midway into American territory reflected broader themes in 19th-century American expansionism and the pursuit of a more prominent international role. The atoll eventually served as an important military base, showcasing its lasting importance in U.S. military history and Pacific strategy.