Trifter

One of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world is a part of the United States. Called America’s Paradise, the U.S. Virgin Islands is an American territory, and as a part of the Leeward Island chain is a gorgeous Caribbean paradise.

Four major islands make up the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, where the town of Charlotte Amalia (also called Amalie), is the Capital; St. Croix, the largest island; St. John, two-thirds national park, and the most pristine; and Water Island, the smallest and newest island transferred to the VI government in 1996, and often referred to as The Last Virgin.

St. Thomas’ nicknames, Rock City, and The Rock, refers to the volcanic nature of the island and the rocky, hilly terrain.

Charlotte/Amalia, St. Thomas

Millions of tourists pour onto the islands each year, many arriving aboard cruise ships. A day spent on any of the islands is usually a fantastic experience and a great introduction; however many visitors return to their ships at the end of the day already planning a more extensive return.

Besides the amazing beauty of these compact islands, there’s the rich history and culture, unbelievable beaches, fun attractions, duty-free shopping, hot climate (tempered by gentle trade wind breezes), and of course, excellent cuisine and music.

The History

Seven flags have flown over the Virgin Islands since Christopher Columbus cruised through the Lesser Antilles in 1493. Columbus is actually credited with naming the more than 120 beautiful, unspoiled islands, cays and islets, The Virgin Islands.

The fighting over who would govern the lands ended in 1671 when Denmark emerged the ruler of St. Thomas. The Danes would later claim the islands of St. John and St. Croix, effectively uniting the three major islands.

The colorful history of the Virgin Islands includes pirates, plantations, slavery, rum, sugar cane, sugar mills, and more. Still today, what is said to be some of the best rum in the world, Cruzan Rum is manufactured on St. Croix.

The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 for 25 million as a military advantage relating to the Panama Canal. Tourism, the largest industry, wasn’t a serious consideration until the 1950’s.

Cruz Bay, St. John

Today, some of the most dynamic features of all the islands are historical treasures such as, old sugar mills and plantation ruins. A prime example of these treasures are the Annaberg Plantation ruins on St. John that attract thousands of visitors each year.