foundations on the ridge. One archeological finding was that of a house foundation which was constructed of coral slaps. This may have been a ceremonial center, temple, or a meeting house for the village. Remains found in Old Vatia have been dated to between 1300 AD to 1750 AD. The historic house platforms are raised on small earthen mounds and ringed with basalt boulders. Old Vatia has provided archeological remains with well-preserved archeological features, which, according to the National Park Service, “help interpret the history and prehistory of the Polynesian Samoans.” As it is located within the National Park of American Samoa, forest clearance is restricted, leaving Old Vatia surrounded by dense vegetation. On November 2, 2006, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (AS-24-002). Old Vatia is located on Faiga Ridge, above and southwest of Vatia. The site was first re-discovered in 1963 by William K. Kikuchi, but it was not investigated until the 1980s. It was first recorded by the Eastern Tutuila Archeology Project, which noted that Old Vatia is “probably the largest ridgetop site in American Samoa.” Apollo 11 returned to Earth in 1969 in the waters nearby Vatia. A copy of the American Samoan flag, which was brought to the moon by Apollo 11, is on display at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Pago Pago. Geography Vatia is located on an edge of the wide, coral-fringed Vatia Bay. Vatia's location on the northern coast separates the village from the more populated places on the island. It is around ten miles northeast of Pago Pago. A drive through the village takes you through green forested mountains, lush rainforests, and the Pacific coast. A site along the road into Vatia is the Pola Scenic Point, which overlooks Pola Island and Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark. Vatia is separated from the south shore villages by mountain ridges and steep valleys. Years ago, hiking through the mountains and valleys on narrow pathways was the only way to reach or leave the village. Pola Island is a landmark and icon for Vatia. It stands on the west side of Vatia Bay. The island has been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of American Samoa by the Pago Pages. National Park Vatia serves as the center for the Tutuila-section of American Samoa National Park. Tuafanua Trail is a 2.2-mile trail which is located in National Park