Samoans are originally believed to have migrated from the West (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines). Samoa's oldest known site of human occupation is Mulifanua on the island of Upolu, which dates back to about 1000 BC (about 3000 years ago). By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries. The missionary influence on Samoan life was so strong that they are now a devoutly religious people with much time devoted to church activities. After the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand took administrational control of Samoa from 1914 up to the Independence Day in January 1962. Robert Louis Stevenson The famous Scottish author of such books as Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, to name a few. He settled in Samoa in the early 1890s with his family. The Samoan's gave him the name Tusitala, meaning 'teller of tales'. After his death he was buried with a ceremony normally reserved for royalty. You can visit his beautiful island plantation home, which is now a museum at Vailima, just outside of Apia. The home and grounds have been beautifully restored, and contain many of Stevenson's personal belongings. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. Saturday 9am to 12pm. Closed Sundays. Admission to the museum is 15 tala for adults, 5 tala for children. The gardens and walk to the grave are free of charge.
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