The Virgin Islands is a lot more than rum drinks and white sand beaches; explore some Virgin Islands history with us as we give you our top 5 historical spots on St. John and St. Thomas.
Annaberg– Located on the far North east side of St. John, the sugar mill and ruins at Annaberg are one of our favorite spots to hike up to and explore. Not only is the location stunning with the turquoise water glistening in the distance, but the national park has kept up the ruins and their placards so there is a ton of information as you walk from structure to structure.
Fort Christian– Recently renovated, Fort Christian has re-opened and currently houses the St. Thomas Museum. Fort Christian was originally constructed by the Danish in 1671 and is said to be the oldest structure in continuous use in St. Thomas. It has been a fort protecting the island, a jail, a museum, a government building, and a town center. The structure was under renovations for the past 13 years and has just recently been opened to the public; definitely worth a visit while you’re on vacation!
Reef Bay– We can’t do a Virgin Islands History post without including Reef Bay. Not only a popular hike, Reef bay boasts petroglyphs, water falls, and an old danish rum factory. This hike is super easy down and gets a little tough on the way back up, but it’s really beautiful and a fun vacation activity.
Murphy Great House-This is one of my favorite hikes. It’s a really easy hike, located out by Waterlemon, you take the Johnny Horn trail up past the old guard house and take a left at the sign (not sure it’s there, post irma,) for the Murphy Great House and this little off shoot gets you up to the ruins of the home of one of the largest plantation owners in St. John History. The structure is impressive in size by current standards and the views are incredible. It’s a perfect picnic spot (there’s even a picnic table,) and a really fun hike!
99 Steps– Also located in St. Thomas, the 99 steps are probably the most photographed and beautifully landscaped steps in the steep neighborhood which neighbors downtown St. Thomas. The actual steps themselves are built from ballast brought from sailing ships in the 1600’s. The steps now lead to and from a few Danish museums and reward you with a gorgeous view of the St. Thomas harbor at the end.