Saint Croix history

Origins and Early Stages of Development

The history of Saint Croix begins long before the arrival of Europeans: archaeological evidence indicates that the island was inhabited by indigenous peoples (the Igneri, Taino, and Caribs) for thousands of years. The local inhabitants called this land "Ay-Ay".

The official date of the island's discovery by Europeans is considered to be November 14, 1493, when Christopher Columbus's expedition landed in the area of modern-day Salt River Bay. Columbus named the island Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), but the first attempt at interaction led to a conflict with the local Caribs.

Factors of Formation and Development

The formation of settlements and the economy of Saint Croix was determined by a unique combination of geographical and geopolitical conditions:

• Strategic Geography: Unlike most neighboring islands of volcanic origin, Saint Croix possesses relatively flat terrain, which made it an ideal location for large-scale agriculture.
• Change of Powers: The island is known for having the flags of seven nations fly over it at different times (Spain, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark, and the USA). Each power contributed to the architectural and cultural landscape.
• Danish Urban Planning: A decisive stage was the acquisition of the island by the Danish West India Company in 1733. It was the Danes who planned and founded the main historic towns — Christiansted (1734) and Frederiksted (1751), defining their strict grid of streets.

Early Economy and Cultural Features

In the 18th century, Saint Croix turned into a thriving agrarian center, earning the nickname "Garden of the West Indies." The economy was based on the plantation system:

The island became one of the largest producers of sugar and commodities in the region. The wealth generated from international trade allowed for the construction of majestic administrative buildings and trading rows in the Danish Neoclassical style, which still shape the appearance of the historic districts. The cultural environment developed as a complex fusion of European traditions and the customs of the African population, laying the foundation for a unique local identity.

Chronology of Events

• November 14, 1493 — Christopher Columbus's expedition landed at Salt River Bay, marking the first documented encounter between Europeans and the island's indigenous population.
• 1651 — Saint Croix came into the possession of the Knights of Malta, who governed it for a short period on behalf of the French crown.
• 1733 — France sold the island to the Danish West India Company, marking the beginning of an era of intensive development in the sugar industry.
• 1734 — The town of Christiansted was founded on the northern coast, becoming the administrative center and an important trading port.
• 1751 — The island's second major town, Frederiksted, was established, distinguished by its wide streets and Victorian architecture.
• July 3, 1848 — Governor-General Peter von Scholten proclaimed the abolition of slavery on the island following a peaceful rebellion led by Moses Gottlieb.
• 1878 — The famous "Fireburn" labor uprising occurred, leading to improved working conditions on the plantations.
• March 31, 1917 — The United States of America officially took possession of the islands, purchasing them from Denmark for 25 million dollars in gold.
• 1927 — Residents of Saint Croix and the rest of the U.S. Virgin Islands were granted U.S. citizenship.
• 1961 — Buck Island off the coast of Saint Croix was declared a National Monument by decree of President John F. Kennedy.
• 1989 — The powerful Hurricane Hugo caused significant damage to the island's infrastructure, requiring a massive recovery program.

Key Stages of Saint Croix's Development

The development of Saint Croix is a story of transformation from an agrarian colony to a modern tourism and industrial center. Below are the main milestones that defined the current appearance and economy of the island.

1. Danish Urban Planning and the Founding of Towns (1733–1755)

The acquisition of the island by Denmark became the starting point for systematic development. Two main towns were founded — Christiansted and Frederiksted.

• Significance: The implementation of strict building codes and regular street planning. This formed a unique architectural style with characteristic arched galleries over sidewalks, which continues to attract tourists and is protected as historical heritage.

2. Flourishing of the Plantation Economy (18th Century)

During this period, Saint Croix became one of the wealthiest islands in the West Indies thanks to the production of sugar and related goods.

• Significance: Economic success allowed for the construction of substantial stone buildings, forts, and places of worship. The wealth of that era laid the foundation for infrastructure that is still in use today, albeit repurposed for the needs of tourism and administration.

3. Emancipation and Social Transformation (1848)

The abolition of slavery by Governor Peter von Scholten in Frederiksted became a turning point in the history of the society.

• Significance: This event dismantled the old economic model based on forced labor. It led to a redistribution of the population, the decline of large plantations, and the beginning of the formation of a free labor market and the modern cultural identity of the islanders.

4. Transfer to U.S. Jurisdiction and Modernization (from 1917)

The sale of the island to the United States brought with it new standards of governance and funding.

• Significance: Massive infrastructure updates: the construction of modern roads, the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, water supply systems, and electrification. The island began to integrate into the American economic and legal system.

5. Industrialization and Industrial Boom (1960s)

The construction of an oil refinery (later HOVENSA) and the Harvey Alumina aluminum plant.

• Significance: A sharp transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial one. The refinery became the largest employer and taxpayer, ensuring an influx of specialists and the growth of the middle class, which distinguished Saint Croix from neighboring islands that were purely tourism-focused.

6. Development of Tourism and Heritage Preservation (Late 20th – 21st Century)

The realization of the value of historical and natural resources led to the creation of national parks and the development of resort zones.

• Significance: Diversification of the economy through tourism. The restoration of the historic center of Christiansted and the construction of a deep-water pier in Frederiksted allowed for the reception of cruise liners, giving new momentum to small businesses and the service sector.

Architectural Heritage and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Saint Croix is unique to the Caribbean. Unlike many neighboring islands, a rich heritage of European urban planning adapted to the tropical climate has been preserved here. The island's towns — Christiansted and Frederiksted — represent true open-air museums, demonstrating the evolution of styles from Colonial Baroque to the Victorian era.

Danish Colonial Style and Neoclassicism (18th – 19th Centuries)

The period of Danish rule was defining for the island's architecture. The strict building codes of 1747 laid the foundation for a unique style that combines European elegance with practicality.

• Characteristic Features: The use of yellow brick (often brought from Denmark as ship ballast), wide arched galleries over sidewalks for protection from the sun and rain, high ceilings for ventilation, and red tiled roofs.
• Christiansted: This town is the brightest example of Danish Neoclassicism in the New World. Its historic center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Landmark Buildings:
  • Fort Christiansvaern: A fine example of military architecture with Baroque elements, preserved almost in its original form.
  • Government House: A majestic building combining two merchant mansions, demonstrating the transition to Classicism with its symmetry and grand staircases.
  • The Steeple Building: A former Lutheran church combining elements of Baroque and the local colonial style.

Victorian Era and "Gingerbread" Style (Late 19th Century)

The island's second-largest town, Frederiksted, has a completely different architectural character. After the fire of 1878, the town was almost completely rebuilt, which gave it a unified and harmonious appearance.

• Style: Late Victorian style with a Caribbean accent.
• Characteristic Features: An abundance of wooden decoration known as "gingerbread trim," intricate balconies, verandas, and pastel-colored facades. Unlike the stone-built Christiansted, there is more lightness and decorativeness here.
• Urban Planning: Frederiksted is distinguished by wide streets and a layout oriented towards the waterfront, making it convenient for trade and walking.

Plantation Architecture (18th – 19th Centuries)

Outside the towns, the architectural landscape was shaped by the needs of the sugar industry. Ruins and restored estates are scattered throughout the island, reminiscent of the "sugar" era.

• Sugar Mills: Conical stone towers of windmills have become the unofficial symbol of Saint Croix. They were built from local limestone and coral stone.
• Great Houses: Plantation owners' homes combined the functions of a residence and an administrative center.
  • Whim Estate Museum: A unique building with an oval layout and walls a meter thick, built in the Neoclassical style adapted for protection against hurricanes.

Modernism and Contemporary Era (20th – 21st Centuries)

With the transition to U.S. jurisdiction, architecture became more utilitarian, yet modern resorts and villas are often stylized to reflect historical eras.

• Features: The use of reinforced concrete for storm resistance, panoramic glazing, and the integration of buildings into the natural landscape.
• Influence: In residential development, the influence of the American suburban style can be traced, mixed with traditional Caribbean elements (bright colors, shutters).

Famous Residents and Natives of Saint Croix

Saint Croix has been the home and birthplace of many people who have left a significant mark on world history, politics, sports, and culture. From U.S. Founding Fathers to global basketball legends, this island has nurtured considerable talent.

Historical and Political Figures

• Alexander Hamilton (1755/1757–1804)
  One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
  Although Hamilton was born on neighboring Nevis, he spent his youth (from 1765 to 1773) on Saint Croix. It was here, working as a clerk in a trading company in Christiansted, that he gained invaluable experience in finance and international trade, which later formed the basis of the U.S. economic system.
• David Hamilton Jackson (1884–1946)
  Educator, judge, labor leader, and civil rights activist.
  A national hero of the Virgin Islands, known as the "Black Moses." He secured the abolition of censorship and the right to a free press from the Danish government, founding the first independent newspaper, "The Herald." His birthday, November 1, is celebrated on the islands as a public holiday — Liberty Day.
• Peter von Scholten (1784–1854)
  Danish Governor-General of the West Indies.
  A key figure in the island's history. While governor, defying orders from Copenhagen but under pressure from a peaceful uprising, he proclaimed the immediate abolition of slavery on Saint Croix on July 3, 1848, preventing bloodshed.
• Henry E. Rohlsen (1916–1981)
  Military pilot, politician.
  A native of Saint Croix who served in the famous "Tuskegee Airmen" squadron during World War II. He later became the first administrator of the island's airport, which today bears his name (Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport).

Culture, Sports, and Social Activities

• Tim Duncan (born 1976)
  Professional basketball player, NBA legend.
  Born and raised in Christiansted. Initially a swimmer dreaming of the Olympic Games, he switched to basketball after the local pool was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo. He became a five-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the sport.
• Hubert Harrison (1883–1927)
  Writer, orator, educator, political activist.
  Born on Saint Croix and emigrated to New York, where he became one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance. He was called the "Black Socrates" for his encyclopedic knowledge and influence on the development of African American political thought in the early 20th century.
• Audre Lorde (1934–1992)
  Writer, poet, feminist, and civil rights activist.
  Although born in New York, Lorde had Caribbean roots and spent the final years of her life on Saint Croix. Here she continued to create and adopted the African name Gamba Adisa, becoming an important part of the island's cultural heritage.