Alexander Hamilton - First US Treasurer
Happy Monday and President’s Day Too!
In response to a special request we’re taking you to St. Croix this week. While no US president ever lived here, Alexander Hamilton did. He was a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury.
St. Croix, once the seat of government for the Danish West Indies, is steeped in history brought to life by the combined efforts of the VI National Park, the US Virgin Islands Government, the VI Landmark Trust, and the private population.
The Christiansted National Historic Site is the place we start this week. It encompasses 5 structures over 7 acres. We took this photo inside Fort Christiansvaern in mid-morning.
Fort Christiansvaern On St. Croix
While there, be sure to look for hidden courtyards and alleys filled with surprises throughout the town. This beautiful fountain area graces the inner courtyard at the Government House complex. Enjoy it. It is your tax dollars at work!
And yes, St. John lovers, we’re afraid it’s true. St Croix does have some beautiful white beaches to call its own. Very civilized, of course.
White Sandy Beach Near Christiansted on St Croix
And, yes… St Croix does have its own wildly beautiful tropical rain forest area too, where coastal photos are beautiful even when taken on a hazy day. But that’s not what gets some of us excited. It’s the roads on St. Croix. Long flat lanes of luxurious pavement lined with tropical palms. At least we like to go visit things like that once in a while.
St Croix's North Shore/ The Entrance to St Croix's UVI Campus
St. Croix even has castles, like this landmark private residence which is visible from many locations on the eastern side of the island.
The Castle - St Croix.
Castles come in all sizes and for all tastes on this surprisingly diverse island.
Cozy Live-aboard On St Croix
Throughout the island we saw public displays of island pride. Bob caught this photo of a painted building mural while driving on our way to see the site of the very first European tourist to the island. Yes, Columbus landed on St Croix on his second voyage to the new world. The site is now part of the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. It’s worth the visit.
A Monument For Today/Salt River Bay Site - A Nod To Our Past
Culture and History comes to life in St. Croix. Even after we are long gone from this world, generations to come will be experiencing the history of today on the island. The Millenium Monument, tucked under a stairway at Government House ensures that.
The Government house complex is the seat of USVI government activity on the island of St. Croix. We wanted to show you photos of the extraordinary ballroom, and much more of this complex, but there is just no room this week. So we’ll leave you with this beautiful shot of the main entrance to the original Government House building, now joined into a complex of buildings.
There is so much to see and enjoy on St Croix, it’s no wonder we like to visit once in a while. We’re sure we’ll be back with another blog on our sister island to the south in the future. Meanwhile, it’s nice to be back at home on St. John where we belong!
Until next week!
