Our Danish Connection In the past, several European nations contended for ownership of many Caribbean islands for their natural resources in the profitable sugar cane cultivation. The Scandinavian country of Denmark was an early player in St. Thomas 1660, St. John 1718, and St. Croix, the last but most profitable acquisition purchased from France in 1733. During the 184 years this island was owned by Denmark, that nation left its mark in many ways. Rarely is a former colonial owner viewed by a population in as positive and friendly manner as here. A close relationship between Denmark and the U.S. Virgin Islands has brought thousands of Danish visitors to visit these former possessions that hold memories from before 1917, the sale and Transfer year to the United States. Some examples: • The solid 18th and 19th century architecture: Official buildings, commercial or private residences, constructed of brick brought as ballast, a handsome still functioning link to the past. • Ruins of many plantation structures that once produced sugar and rum. particularly former windmills that ground sugar cane. • Continued use of the old plantation names for all countryside areas, even the 18th century division into named Quarters, also old Danish street names in the towns, and old-time street addresses. Our two towns are named for Danish kings. • The presence in four churches of the Danish Lutheran denomination. • Two old cemeteries with special sections for Danish gravesites, and thorough records thereof by Danish scribes. • Continued use of certain holidays from the Danish calendar. • Many African heritage families carrying Danish last names and even use of historic Danish first names for Crucian children. • A Friends of Denmark organization that carries out exchange visit Festivals with its sister Society in Denmark, Danish West Indian Society, in addition to sponsoring visits and creative endeavors. • A voluminous website accessible to anyone covering all the persons residing here throughout the Danish period 1734 to 1917. • Access on the internet to over 5 million documents in the Danish archives relevant to the Danish West Indies, as our islands were called. • A friendly Crucian population that looks out for visiting Danes and makes them feel welcome. If you happen to be a visiting Dane, we bid you Velkommen!
An illustrated collection of 70 articles on Our Danish Connection from this magazine years 2009 through 2019 documenting in English and Danish the unique legacy in St. Croix of Denmark’s imprint on our culture. A gift for anyone who loves this island. At Undercover Books and Caribbean Museum Center. $20.
St. Croix Retains Authenticity Through Change
O
by Nina York
ver the past year and a half, the entire world has seen enormous changes, mainly from the effects of the pandemic and associated restrictive measures to mitigate its impact. Even a small community such as St. Croix has experienced many changes and, while measures taken to protect the population have generally been successful, the difficulties experienced by many businesses and their employees have been hard, particularly in the hospitality industry that represents a major segment of our economy. But some positive developments have taken place that reveal the great advantage we enjoy in our tropical environment and relaxed outdoor living. It has protected so many from infection and, thanks to a tremendous effort by our Department of Health and the local administration, we have attained a high degree of vaccination and very few fatalities. What does that have to do with our Danish heritage? It has opened the eyes of many individuals from the United States to the rich legacy of architectural historic treasures this island possesses. Many substantial properties that have waited for years to find a buyer have been acquired with a promise that they will be maintained and preserved in a proper manner, respectful of their important legacy. This community is so different from most stateside locations with its Caribbean culture comprising African, Latino, Mid-Eastern, and European elements. It is normally resistant to change, but the drastic transformation imposed by the fight against the pandemic has forced an adjustment. While the Danish cultural elements remaining are from an earlier era, they contribute to a distinct identity of the environment and our popula- The St. Croix National Heritage Area tion. That unique character is a major Feasibility Study—200 pages of merits! contributor to the nomination of St. Croix to become a National Heritage Area, a bill submitted by our Delegate to the US Congress, Stacy Plaskett, and having been passed by the House of Representatives, now awaiting Senate approval. What defines a National Heritage Area? Designated by the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, it contains an assemblage of nationally significant natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources that relate to the larger story of American heritage. This is a tall order to fill as the designation requires a comprehensive feasibility study in print. Numerous Public Meetings seeking input took place in 2008 and 2010 for the study. We are indeed a special place, thanks to its early occupancy by Amerindian tribes originating in Venezuela’s Orinoco river area, traveling in canoes throughout the Caribbean. Research by Danish archaeologists in the early 20th century revealed important vestiges of villages and activities. The subsequent colonial period left a huge legacy. The extensive feasibility study of St. Croix, a valuable book for anyone with an interest, is out of print. It is hoped that its contents can be made available online. Nina York, born in Denmark but a St. Croix resident since 1976, has been a contributor for this publication since 2009 and was its Managing Editor from 1990-2003. She now offers tours for visitors from Denmark and the mainland, does translations, and volunteers for Rotary and the St. Croix Friends of Denmark Society. June / July 21 • 39
