Taking a Trip to the Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands offers a magnificent journey to a tropical paradise. The first inhabitants were Arawaks, Caribs, and Ciboney. When Christopher Columbus visited the islands in 1493 while searching for a route to India, he met the people on the islands, calling them Indians.

Columbus was so impressed with the beauty of the land that he called the islands, The Virgins, referring to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. After his visit, exploration and colonization of this area was actually quiet. However, explorers making their way to the Virgin Islands around 1587, reported evidence of Indian inhabitants but when settlers came in 1625, no Indian colonies were found.

Historians believe that settlers on nearby Puerto Rico came to the Virgin Islands regularly, forcing some of the Indians to flee and others to become slaves. Sadly, as European exploration and colonization swept through the islands, the number of native Indians decreased. Without having immunity to the European diseases, these indigenous groups were unable to fight off illness and unable to handle the harsh slave conditions in which they were forced to work. Today, you will find only a few groups of Indians on the outer areas of the islands, no longer existing in mainstream United States Virgin Islands.

The three primary islands that make up the Virgin Islands include St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. During the early 17th century, a number of countries showed interest in these islands to include England, France, Holland, Denmark, Spain, and the Knights of Malta. Soon, England and Holland joined forces, inhabiting St. Croix in 1620. Then the Spanish who had been living in Puerto Rico invaded the small colony, whereby the French moved in, forcing the Spanish out. With this, the French ruled St. Croix until 1733.

The next settlement attempt was by the Danish West Indian Company in 1665, successfully establishing colonies on the island of St. Thomas in 1672 with just 113 people. However, they soon expanded, settling on the island of St. John in 1694, which they claimed until 1680. Although the British became hostile, preventing the Danish people from establishing a settlement, to maintain good relations with Denmark, the British backed down. After this, the Danes were allowed to settle plantations for agriculture on the island of St. John. Then in 1733, the Danish West Indian Company bought St. Croix from the French, meaning all three islands were now part of the Danish West Indies.

From that time on, various countries vied for pieces of the island and sugar plantations, along with indigo, cotton, and various other crops were grown. Although St. Thomas was a prosperous center of trade, the slaves rebelled, leading to their freedom in the summer of 1848. The three islands remained under Danish control until 1917 when the United States purchased them for $25 million in gold. Soon, conditions improved but citizens were angered realizing this purchase did not provide them U.S. citizenship. However, Interior Departments and the United States Military continued to manage the Virgin Islands until the Organic Act of 1936. Today, the Virgin Islands are U.S. territory but run by an elected governor.

While St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix are all well known and popular travel destinations, many people are unaware of a fourth island called Water Island. Located in the St. Thomas Charlotte Amalie harbor, this island was officially returned to the United States Virgin Islands in 1996, becoming the fourth of the Virgin Islands. With the start of the 20th century, these islands saw significant improvement and prosperity. Soon, word spread about this tropical oasis, bringing about the development of hotels, restaurants, shops, beachfront properties, and more. Now offering visitors luxurious accommodations, the popularity of the islands grew, becoming one of the favorite of all Caribbean destinations.

Currently, the United States Virgin Islands is home to around 109,000 people. Although there are many opportunities on the islands, tourism is the primary economic activity. The Virgin Islands welcome more than two million people each year from around the globe, eager to relax in sheer beauty. While on the islands, you will find all types of modern facilities and accommodations but interestingly, the agricultural sector is quite small, meaning the majority of food enjoyed is imported. However, one of the world’s largest petroleum refineries is found on the island of St. Croix, a little quirky as you see this magnificent infrastructure set against tropical beauty.

When visiting the downtown Charlotte Amalie area of St. Thomas, you will find dozens of intriguing landmarks and points of interest. For example, you can visit Fort Christian, St. Thomas Synagogue, or the famous pirate Blackbeard’s Castle. However, The 99 Steps is probably one of the activities enjoyed most but keep in mind, you need to be in shape to make your way to the top of what are actually 103 steps! With warm temperatures and hilly areas, you want to make sure you dress cool and wear comfortable shoes. All three islands offer a number of wonderful hiking trails that lead to historical sites and hidden beaches. On St. John, you can make your way through a spectacular national park that features stunning flora and fauna.

Regardless of the island you choose, you will be mesmerized by the United States Virgin Islands. The people are eager to please and the islands truly spectacular. You can enjoy a fine nightlife, excellent restaurants, and a number of water sports to include scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, and fishing, or if you prefer, simply lie on the white, sandy beaches for some downtime in the sun. The Virgin Islands are an excellent destination for people of all ages, singles, and families alike.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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