One favorite destination in the Caribbean protected and preserved for its glorious beaches and islands, is the U.S Virgin Islands.
Are the Virgin Islands U.S. or British?
The U.S Virgin Islands (USV) is a belongs to or bonafide part of the United States. It is situated along the Leewards Islands in Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean. The USVI is made up of the main islands, that is Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas and the smallest but historically significant Water Island. All these Islands are surrounded by other minor islands in that same enclave.
The United States took control and ownership of the Virgin Islands on March 31, 1917 and its surrounding territories in was renamed the Virgin Islands. The people of the United States of America were given the power to inhabit the Virgin Islands in the year, 1927. But the water islands did not become part of the United States in until 1996.
The USVI has many attractive scenes that tourists can enjoy. Many people come there for summer holidays and for occupational picnics. Some of these beautiful sceneries are its magnificent White-Sand beaches. The notable and most visited of these beaches are Magens Bay and Trunk Bay.
Also, there are harbors such as Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. The most heavily visited among these ports is Charlotte Amalie. This port always has cruise ships parouding its waters. The majority of these Islands are volcanic in origin and they are also hilly.
The island with the most visible volcanic and hilly feature is St. Thomas. Also, the highest point that enclave is Crown Mountain which is 1,555 feet high. Even though this enclave is less populated than St. Thomas, St. Croix is the largest of the USVI and it is also blessed with a beautiful flatter terrain. A large part of St. John and its surroundings are coral reef. This beautiful scene is a preserve controlled by the National Park Service.
There are fine beaches stretching throughout these areas. St. Thomas in particular has museums, forts and houses of historic significance. There is also a duty-free shopping district in Charlotte Amalie. This shopping house is one of the most popular shopping houses in Charlotte Amalie district. The Peter Mountain Greathouse and Botanical Gardens which is located high in the St. Thomas volcanic peaks is a scenery most tourists visit when they get the opportunity to tour the enclave.
It is a distinctive feature of the West Indie architecture and furniture. It was originally part and parcel of the 150 acres plantation of St. Peter. Tourists are assured of a beautiful Botanical Gardens with lush trails along a streaming waterfall.
The tropical bird aviaries is also in abundance as well as more than 20 varieties of archids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits. Other equal attractions in the enclave are the 99 steps which was built by the Danes in mid 1700s. The Danes used these steps as a “step-street” to be the easiest way to navigate the steep hills of Charlotte Amalie. Also, the Black Beard’s Castle watchtower. This tower was originally named Skytsbong by the Danes dating back to 1679. Legends have it that, the tower was used by the infamous pirate Edward “Blackbeard” Teach. He used the tower to watch ships that were entering the harbor and also for security reasons.
Another well-known fortress is the Bluebeard’s Castle that is another attraction. This castle was built in 1689 and was named after the fictitious pirate. It is said that, he built to lock away his beautiful wife from the rest of the population. Drake’s seat is one of the islands surest lookouts. It offers panoramic view of Mangers Bay and the U.S British Virgin Islands.
Sir Francis Drake a popular Captain at the time is known to have kept watch on his fleet from here. The Fort Christian built in 1680 was purposely used to defend the Danish settlement and is today home to the historic fort as well as doubles as a museum. The National Historic Landmark is Saint Thomas’ oldest building in continuous use. It has also on various times served as a place of worship and also as a police station.
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