Hit the time machine, and uncover the St. Thomas History. During Christopher Columbus’ second voyage in 1493, indigenous people already inhabited the island for centuries.
Visit the three museums in Charlotte Amalie on a St Thomas charter yacht vacation.
Moreover, the museums are within walking distance of Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas Marina.
First, start at Fort Christian, opposite the Legislature Building on the waterfront. The Danes completed the construction of this iconic red brick fort in 1680. The Caribbean Sea’s oldest active barricade.
Moreover, it was a governor’s residence, Lutheran church, police station, and prison. Today, it’s a museum open Mondays- Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The entrance fee is $10/adult.
Most importantly, take a self-guided St Thomas history tour by visiting each room off the courtyard. Exhibits start with native American historical relics from centuries ago.
It also displays the sugar and African slaves era, and the United States purchase of the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. Above all, the second story offers a gorgeous view of the harbor where charter yacht vacations start.
Virgin Islanders stood here on March 31, 1917, and watched the Transfer Day ceremony. St Thomas switches flags from the Dannebrog to the Stars & Stripes.
Secondly, walk three blocks west of Fort Christian to the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum. A catamaran charter on St Thomas is worth it, especially if you are a history buff.
Opens on Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance is free, but they appreciate donations too.
This collection includes West Indian and Danish West Indies art, artifacts, and antiques. In addition, find things like mahogany furniture, with some pieces back to the late 17th century. Paintings and old black and white framed photos line the walls giving a peek into the everyday past.
King Christian V of Denmark wanted to expand Denmark’s presence in the Caribbean. To achieve this, the Danish West India Company took control of St. John in 1718 and St. Croix in 1733. Such a thing would later prove the development of Charlotte Amalie as a free port. And signed a treaty with the Brandenburgers company to join in the slave trade.
You can also find salvaged items like bottles from shipwrecks in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Also, pottery shards from prehistoric digs on St. Thomas.
While walking west to Frenchtown, have a bite to eat at the Petite Pump Room. Located on the second floor of the Edward Wilmot Blyden Ferry Terminal. Here, you can taste the St Thomas history with authentic U.S. Virgin dishes. The restaurant serves its Local Saltfish Breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10:30 a.m.
St Thomas dishes you might want to try:
However, no specific feast days celebrated uniquely in St. Thomas, USVI.
Sit on the porch overlooking the harbor and see where you will start your St Thomas history charter yacht vacation.
Catch ferries to the British Virgin Islands from the Blyden Ferry Terminal in downtown Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas.
Thirdly, fully fortified, it’s less than a half-mile walk further west from the restaurant to the French Heritage Museum. Located on the Rue de Carenage, next to the ballpark. The Museum is easy to spot by the replica of the Eiffel Tower at the entrance. Indeed, a good spot to visit on a St Thomas history charter.
Fishing is a huge historic occupation of many men of French descent. Women in the Frenchtown of olden days create straw hats. Steamer ships carried some of these goods to Paris, and sold in high fashion houses.
A selection of these is on display, too. Such as:
Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. They also accept donations.
Finally, book a Downtown Walking Tour with the St. Thomas Historical Trust to know more about St Thomas history. Led by Trust members, the 2-to-3-hour tours take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They depart at 9 a.m. from small park.
Other historic sites – Frederick Lutheran Church, 99 Steps, Hamburg-American Steam Ship Headquarters, and Camille Pissarro Building.
A historic trek around town is a beautiful way to start a 32 square miles St. Thomas charter yacht vacation.
Explore more places to visit in St Thomas, like marinas and anchorages.
Contact us at 1-321-777-1707 or complete this form to discuss your vacation plans.