Highly populated residential areas in the villages of Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Sinajana, and Agana Heights surround Hagåtña.

The family of Chief Kepuha donated land in Hagåtña enabling San Vitores to build the first church (Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica) on Guam.

Under Spanish rule, and particularly the Spanish-Chamorro Wars, much of the indigenous population of Guam and other Mariana Islands was forced to relocate to the city.

The remains of buildings from the Spanish administration can be seen in the Plaza de España located beside the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Agana.

During Guam's 1944 liberation from the Japanese during World War II, the city was heavily damaged by U.S. naval bombardment.

As part of Guam's reconstruction plan, the U.S. Navy constructed new straight city streets that passed through existing lots and created many plots of land with multiple owners.

In December 1944 Guam was the scene of the Agana race riot, between black and white servicemen stationed on the island.

In addition to the historic sites at the Plaza de España and the Basilica, Latte Stone Park and the Chamorro Village shopping area offer further information about the island's history and culture.

The Government House (Chamorro: Guma I Taotao Guam), traditionally the governor's official residence, is situated above the cliff but technically within the city limit of Hagåtña.

[9] Notable federal government agencies in Hagåtña include the District Court of Guam at 520 West Soledad Avenue,[10] the United States Attorney at Sirena Plaza, 108 Hernan Cortez, Suite 500,[11] and the United States Postal Service Post Office at 223 West Chalan Santo Papa.

People living north of Guam Highway 4 are zoned to Andersen Elementary and Andersen Middle School, while people living south of Guam Highway 4 are zoned to McCool Elementary and McCool Middle School.