The United States' claim to Midway Atoll was integral to its strategic interests in the Pacific following the acquisition of Alaska. In the mid-19th century, the U.S. was increasingly focusing on expansionism, driven by a desire for greater military and economic presence in the Pacific region. Midway Atoll, situated roughly midway between North America and Asia, was seen as a key point for potential naval operations and commercial ventures. The territory's unoccupied status made it an attractive target for U.S. occupancy.

On August 28, 1867, a naval expedition led by Captain William E. Kircher successfully took possession of Midway Atoll. Kircher and his crew sailed from a U.S. Navy ship, raising the American flag to symbolize the formal claim over the island. This event was crucial as it marked the U.S. commitment to asserting its influence in the Pacific, paving the way for future military bases and transpacific communications.

The significance of Midway would bloom in later decades, especially during pivotal moments such as World War II, when it became the site of critical battles and played a substantial role in projecting American naval power across the Pacific. Following its claim, the U.S. would later position Midway as a vital waystation for commercial shipping and military logistics, linking continental America with its territories in Asia.