Attractions
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Many visitors explore Charlotte Amalie to shop rather than to look at history. The proximity of the historic buildings to the stores however, makes it easy to enjoy both. To really embrace the historical sights you must look beyond the shops, vendors and people. Try to picture the past; complete with forts, plantations, warehouses and pirates, among the many other images of St. Thomas' History. Exploring Charlotte Amalie is a rewarding experience and easily done on foot (wear comfortable shoes).
This Danish built fort, named after King Christian V, is the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands. The bright red fort was built to defend the Danish settlement and harbor from European attackers. Construction of this National Historic Landmark began in 1666 and ended in 1680. In the 1700's, the fort was expanded and in 1874 a new entrance with a Victorian Clock tower was added. Improvements in artillery would render the fort obsolete and it would later be used as a police station, court and jail. It has also been used as Government House, a community center and a church. In 1982 it ceased being the jail and today is home to a local history museum. The museum houses exhibits of historical photos and documents, period furniture, a cane press, local flora and fauna and more. The roof of the fort offers excellent panoramic views of the harbor. Admission: $3 Adults (16 and up). Children are free.
Located
right on the harbor, is a pretty green, two story
structure. It is the Legislature Building and houses the
offices of Virgin Islands’ legislators and their staff. The
original building was a wooden structure erected in 1828 as
barracks for Danish police. The present building is a
reconstruction and was completed in 1874. The Roman
numerals MDCCCLXXIV can be seen on the front of the
building. In 1917, the ceremonies of transferring ownership
of the Danish West Indies to the United States were held in
the Legislature's courtyard. Between 1917 and 1930 it
served as barracks for the U.S. Marine Corps and then as a
public school. In 1956 it was restored and occupied by the
Legislature and the Department of Social Welfare. From
about 1970 to present time the building has served solely
as the Legislature.
Located
on Tolbod Gade is Emancipation Park. The park was named in commemoration of the July 3rd, 1848 emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies. Many of St. Thomas' official ceremonies are held in the park, as well as several local events. Every U.S. state and territory has a copy of the Liberty Bell; the Virgin Islands' reproduction is located in Emancipation Park.
The Grand Hotel, built between 1839 and1840, originally occupied an entire city block and was three stories high. The top story was lost around 1896, likely due to hurricane damage. The entire first floor is arched and the second floor includes a huge ballroom with balcony overlooking Emancipation Park. The Grand Hotel was used as a hotel until 1975; it presently houses several shops and restaurants.
One block north of Fort Christian is the Lutheran Church. It is identifiable by its pretty yellow-gold color and its large 'welcoming arms' staircase. This church was the official church of the Danish West Indies. The building went up in 1793. It replaced two earlier buildings that were destroyed by fire. It was refurbished in 1826 and again in 1870. It is still in use today.
Hotel 1829 was constructed between 1829 and 1831. The structure was originally built as a townhouse for a French sea captain named Alexander Lavalette, whose initials can still be seen in the wrought-iron grillwork on the balcony above the main entrance. This townhouse is a fine example of island architecture during Danish times. The dining room has its original floors and there are several other unique, historic elements to the home. It became a hotel in 1906 and is still operated as a small hotel.
These steps were built in the mid 1700s, by the Danes, who found streets of steps to be the easiest way to climb up and down the steep hills of Charlotte Amalie. Some historians have said this stairway, along with many others that cut through nearly all the hills rising from the Charlotte Amalie harbor area, were actually a result of impractical planning on the part of Danish engineers who had never been to St. Thomas. The bricks used to construct the steps were originally brought from Denmark as ballast in the hulls of sailing ships. (The 99 steps are actually 103 steps.)
