Troops are temporarily stationed near Diamond Head. President McKinley signs a joint resolution of Congress on July 7 that annexes Hawaii to the United States. Hawaii's sovereignty is transferred to the United States on August 12. An epidemic of bubonic plague breaks out in Honolulu with the first death on December 12. On January 20 a fire intended to purify Chinatown of the bubonic plague flames out of control and destroys 38 acres.
Thousands lose their homes and businesses.
President McKinley signs the Organic Act on April 30, and the Territory of Hawaii, headed by Sanford B. Dole as its first governor, is inaugurated on June 14. The Territory of Hawaii's first legislature is convened February 20 in Honolulu. 1903 George R. Carter, secretary of the territory, is appointed the territory's second governor on November 23. Fort Shafter, headquarters for the army, becomes the first permanent military post in the territory. 1908 Pearl Harbor construction begins.