CHRISTIANSTED WALKING TOUR

Let’s start a leisurely walking tour of Christiansted at the site of the Old Scale House on the harborfront, known as the Wharf. This is one of a complex of five buildings comprising the Christiansted National Historic Site, established in 1952, administered by the National Park Service.

Nearby, The Old Customs House with its sweeping staircase, on the grassy area next to the Fort, was completed in 1830. It now holds National Park Service offices.

Fort Christiansvaern was the first public building to be started by the Danes after the island was purchased from France in 1733. It is built of Danish yellow brick and was completed in 1749 and later expanded. Its present appearance reflects the 1830’s period.

It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm which coincides with the hours of the adjacent Fort Parking Lot whose hours are strictly enforced. Brochures available at the Visitor Center.

The Steeple Building across Hospital Street, formerly the Lutheran Church, dates from 1753. This site, on the Walking Tour, is currently closed for renovation.

Across Company Street lies the onetime Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, built in 1749 as a storage facility for hundreds of barrels of sugar and rum. In its courtyard, slave auctions were formerly held.

Originally, Government House on King Street, was built as a home for a Danish merchant. That section dates from 1749; another section, the previous town house of a wealthy Danish plantation owner, was joined to it in 1826, together becoming the seat of the Danish West Indies government. The grand staircase and portico were added in 1830, as was the impressive ballroom/reception hall on the second floor by Governor General Peter von Scholten, who had his office and official residence here. Due to COVID-19 restrictions tours of the site have temporarily been suspended.

The Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church across Queen Cross Street on King Street was originally the Dutch Reformed Church, built in the 1740’s and transferred to the Lutherans in 1831, who brought the furnishings here from the Steeple Building. Later, the steeple was added.

Across on Company Street is the historic Lutheran Parish Hall, and in the courtyard the former Pastor’s residence.

Walking up Queen Cross Street to Company Street takes you to Apothecary Hall on the left corner. Opened in 1828 by Danish pharmacist Peder Eggers Bentzon, the town’s first pharmacy remained here until 1970.

Nearby on Company Street is the Old Market , laid out in the original town plan from 1735 and still being used. The well dates from 1863. On this square you will also find the downtown Post Office.