In the Battle of Okinawa, Cactus Ridge was the name U.S. forces gave to a rise of land approximately 600 yards (550 m) southeast of Mashiki, Okinawa which commanded much of the ground between Uchitomari and Oyama, both of which lie along Highway No. 1. The defense of Cactus Ridge to the west, and The Pinnacle to the east, marked the start of resistance by Japanese land forces on Okinawa.