ST. THOMAS POI

Some Photos of Island PoI's you can find in our St. Thomas Photo Gallery direct on the map of St. Thomas Island. (Click here to see)

Charlotte Amalie

Government House

Erected in 1867 as a meeting place for the Danish Colonial Council this building is now home to U.S. Virgin Islands governor offices. Although renovated in 1994 the iron work and original neoclassical look remained unchanged.

99 Steps
(103 actual steps)

Built by the Danes in the mid-1700s, as an easier alternative to climbing steep hills, these steps steeply rise from the east side of Hotel 1829 and lead to Government House. The bricks used to build the 99 Steps were originally used to stabilize the sailing ships that came from Denmark.

Hotel 1829
(constructed 1829-1831)

Built as a townhouse for French sea captain, Alexander Lavalette, this structure exhibits the Danish architecture of the time. It became a hotel in 1906 and is still in operation today. Hotel 1829 is part of a tour starting at Blackbeard's Castle; the tour also includes Haagensen House Museum and Villa Notman.

Blackbeard's Castle

In 1679 the Danes built Skytsborg Tower (meaning sky tower), at the highest point of Government Hill to serve as a watchtower for the harbor and Fort Christian. St. Thomas lore claims that pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, used Skytsborg Tower in the early 1700s as a look out for his own treacherous deeds. As Blackbeard's legend grew so did the island's intrigue and Skytsborg Tower eventually took on the name of Blackbeard's Castle. Today this is one of four National Historic sites in the US Virgin Islands. Do not confuse this with Bluebeard's castle.

St. Thomas Synagogue

One of the most historic (second-oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere) and best-preserved buildings on St. Thomas you'll find it as fascinating as its history. The original synagogue (1796) was destroyed by a fire in 1804 and rebuilt in 1833 by Sephardic Jews. The temple played an important role in the colony among many of the earliest settlers - Danish Jews. In keeping with Sephardic tradition the floor is still covered in sand, symbolizing the ancient flight of the Jewish people out of Egypt and across the desert.

Seven Arches Museum

This two-story brick building is named for the seven arches that support its "welcoming arms" staircase. Located next to the Lieutenant Governor's House this once 19th-century Danish artisan's home now serves as a museum telling of Danish middle-class that formerly lived here.

Market Square

Any day at the open-air produce market is a wonderful day to take in the local atmosphere and excitement. However, slave auction blocks still remain and serve as a grim reminder of the past.

Frederick Lutheran Church

Built a block away from Fort Christian, in 1793, this was the official church of the Danish West Indies. You can't miss this church with its large welcoming staircase and yellow-gold color. The church was refurbished in 1826 and again in 1870 and is still used today.

Fort Christian

Fort Christian was the first structure in Charlotte-Amalie and the oldest building still in use on St. Thomas. Built by the Danes in 1671 to defend the harbor and settlements against foreign and pirate attacks this spectacular bright red stonewall fort is a must see. It is now a popular museum with historical exhibits and art galleries.

Legislature Building

Since being erected in 1828 as a barracks for Danish police this lovely green, two-story building has served many purposes: the Legislature's courtyard was the ceremonial site for the transfer of ownership to U.S in 1917, a U.S. Marine Corp barracks from 1917-1930, a public school, home to the Department of Social Welfare, and since 1970 has served as offices of Virgin Islands' legislators and their staff.

Grand Hotel

Built between 1839 and 1841 this hotel was three stories high (third story lost in a hurricane), and spanned a city block! It ceased to be a hotel in 1975 and recently underwent restorations on many of the 19th-century architectural features. The Grand Hotel now consists of shops and restaurants.

Emancipation Garden

Named in commemoration of the Danish West Indies emancipation of slaves on July 3rd, 1848 this small park is used for many of St. Thomas's official ceremonies and local events. The Virgin Islands' reproduction of the Liberty Bell is located in Emancipation Garden.

Hassel Island

This small 135-acre island (mostly National Park) is located in Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Four historical structures still remain on this former peninsula, two being: a British military garrison built between 1801-1815 and the Creque Marine Railway (mid-1800s). The Danes separated the peninsula from St. Thomas around 1865 to increase water and vessel flow into the harbor.

Frenchtown

This fishing village is walking distance from Charlotte Amalie and is popular with locals and tourist alike for the wonderful restaurants and bars. Settled in the late 1800s to mid 1900s by French immigrants (mainly fisherman) from St. Barthelemy this area quickly established itself as a fishing village. St. Ann's Catholic Church crowns a small hill in the middle of town and the small French Heritage Museum contains historic artifacts pertaining to this quaint community.

Around the Island

Paradise Point Tramway

Ascend 700 feet on a state of the art tramway to one of the best lookouts on all of St. Thomas, Paradise Point! From this vantage point you'll have a panoramic view and a further appreciation of the Virgin Islands'.

Mountain Top or Signal Hill

The highest point on St. Thomas, St. Peter Mountain is 1,542 feet above sea level and offers the most spectacular panoramic of and around the island. Mountain Top was used as a strategic communications location by the U.S. government in the 1940s, thus its other name Signal Hill. Today it is a popular rest stop with shops, dining, and a balcony; it also claims to be the originator of the banana daiquiri.

Drake's Seat

British privateer Sir Francis used this spot to spy on the enemy Spanish ships passing through what is now called Drake's Passage. This spot offers a breathtaking view of where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean and overlooks more than 100 Virgin Islands. This is the perfect place to snap a photo and create your own Caribbean postcard.

Fairchild Park

Home to some of the finest tropical foliage on St. Thomas this park was given to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands by philanthropist Arthur Fairchild.

Magens Bay
(entry fee - $3 adults/$1 residents, $1 cars, .25? kids)

Named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler it is easy to see why this heart-shaped bay is St. Thomas' most popular beach. This mile stretch was donated as a public park by Arthur Fairchild to the people of the Virgin Islands and is a must see.

West Indian Company Dock

This is the cruise ships' port and is home to Havensight Mall. This large shopping area has plenty of eateries and gift shops and the crowds are dependent upon the number of cruise ships in port.

Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens

One thousand feet above sea level these 11-acres are at the foot of volcanic peaks on the northern rim of the island. Take a self-guided nature walk through the estate and its meticulously landscaped grounds. With 200 varieties of West Indian flora and panoramic views of more than 20 Virgin Islands from the observation deck this is a wonderful place to visit.

Tillett Gardens

Once an old Danish farm, Tillett Gardens is now a center for local artists and performers. The garden holds various art and craft shows, host classical music concerts, has a great restaurant, and offers shops that include local hand-crafted items, such as jewelry, candles, and paintings.

Bluebeard's Castle

Frederik's Fort was built by the Danes in 1689 and served as a second watchtower for Fort Christian. Located on Bluebeard's Hill this one story outpost of Fort Christian overlooks Charlotte Amalie and is rumored to have been a haven for the pirate "Bluebeard", thus inheriting the name of Bluebeard's Castle from the islanders. Today the tower is incorporated into Bluebeard's Castle Hotel, along with Frederiksberg.

Frederiksberg

The colonial government sold the watchtower in 1818 along with the surrounding land to a merchant and in the 1820's the large Frederiksberg residence was uilt. The hotel has done a nice job of maintaining much of the original look.

Coral World

One of only three underwater observatories in the world this is a must see attraction while in St. Thomas. This marine park is located on Coki Point and the observatory allows a 360-degree view of ocean coral reef 20 feet below the sea. The Predator Tank is home to sharks, moray eels, and other predatory marine life. There are guided tours, a restaurant, ice cream and gift shop.

Nisky Moravian Church

Built around 1755 by Moravian missionaries the Nisky Moravian Church has had several renovations over the centuries. The church was established mainly to minister to the slave population of St. Thomas. Today it houses a church and school.

Red Hook

This busy village began as a little town with dirt roads connecting it to the rest of St. Thomas. Red Hook caters to the boating community with numerous marinas in the area and the Red Hook Ferry Dock, which ferries people to St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Red Hook also has a diversity of shops and good bars and restaurants.