Crown Bay Center and Map .................... 28

LOCAL

HISTORY

aBOUT THe VIRGIN ISLANDS

The U.S. Virgins Islands – St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix – and the British Virgin Islands (to the north and east) are among the most beautiful geographical areas in the world, blessed with powdery beaches and sundrenched weather. But our islands are also rich in history. The islands lie in the path of soft trade winds blowing directly from Portugal, which perhaps accounts for the fact that “Santa Cruz” was among the first islands to be sighted by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage westward. He then sailed northeast, passing St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola and called them collectively “Las Virgenes.” In the centuries after, this area was once one of the top pirate lairs in the Caribbean, making us rich in pirate stories and lore. After Columbus’ visit, the islands went back to sleep for more than 150 years. They woke to find the flag of Denmark planted on St. Thomas, the French Tricolor on St. Croix and the Union Jack flying over Tortola (where it still flies). The Arawak Indian population had disappeared. Denmark later claimed St. John, bought St. Croix and built the Danish West Indies into thriving sugar cane and trading islands. islands. Slaves were imported early to work the growing number of sugar plantations. The islands were also used as a base for reshipment of slaves to other areas. After