MainTour U.S.Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands (pop. 102,000) consist of 68 small islands discovered and named by Columbus in 1493 in the westernmost part of the Lesser Antilles. The capital is Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas Island. The U.S. purchased the islands from the Dutch in 1917.

Largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix feature a diverse landscape of green rain forest, desert vegetation, rocky red cliffs and white sand beaches. This island is about 28 miles and 7 miles wide.

Christiansted is one of the two major cities on the island. It gained great prosperity in the mid 1800's from its sugar, cotton, rum and slave trade. The town is full of picturesque Danish architecture. Most dining, shops and hotels are centered along King's Alley Walk.

Frederiksted principal city on west side of St. Croix. Center of town is the Old Historic District along Strand Street - waterfront shopping area. This town partially burned down in 1878 and features a different style than Christansted.

Note worthy points of interest include:

• Fort Christiansvaern - great yellow fort build 1749.
• Old Danish Customs House - in Christiansted
• Old Scale House - in Christiandsted.
• Steeple Building - build 1753 - today a museum in Christiandsted.
• Salt River Bay Archealogical Park - Historic site of ancient Carib and Taino indian cultures as also landing site of Columbus.
• Fort Frederick - Danish fort build 1752.
• Market Place - Open air bazaar in Frederiksted.
• Buck Island Reef National Monument - 880 acre preserve.

Two-thirds of St. John Island consist of the Virgin Islands National Park - 14,695 acres (U.S.) of parkland (1956). Quiet headlands, coves and extensive offshore areas of reefs and underwater gardens, palm-lined sandy white beaches and early Carib Indian artifacts. Remains of early Danish colonial sugar plantations.

Other Points of Interest:

• Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum - local history and culture.
• Cruz Bay - principal city on island.
• Annaberg Plantation - early 1730 Dutch estate.
• Trunk Bay - Most unique of the island's beaches and site of the national parks underwater snorkel trail.

Charlotte Amalie - capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands - is located on St. Thomas. It is famous for its 99 Steps that scales the summit of Government Hill, official office of territorial governor.

• Fort Christian - Early 17th century Dutch fort.
• Legislature Building - Site of historic 1917 transform ceremony and former U.S. Marine base. Painted a striking lime green.
• Frederick Lutheran Church - First Dutch church in islands.
• Blackbeard's Castle - Hotel and restaurant build around remains of the Skytsborg. National historic landmark.
• St. Thomas Synagogue - built 1833 by Sephardic Jews.
• Estate St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens

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