Harte’s Island of St. Thomas by Bret Harte 1868 When the question of the purchase of the Danish West Indies by the United States came up in 1868, Bret Harte, a California poet, wrote a poem which became popular at the time. The islands had recently suffered a hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake the year before, which […]
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What’s Inside the Mystery Cave at John Brewers Bay ~ 1929
John Brewer’s Bay The cave set high above the Estate of John Brewers Bay on the Western end of St. Thomas has intrigued visitors for years. Tales of hidden treasure abounded and many risked their lives to climb up, hoping to make a lucky discovery. The property once belonged to Louis Eugene de Lagarde, a […]
The Little Sloop, SORA Sails to the US Virgin Islands ~ 1942
The Sloop, Sora This little yacht arrived at the Creque Marine Railway for service in 1942. She was a pretty sailboat believed to be from New York. Her bottom was painted green with a white waterline, blue topsides, and she had a mahogany cabin on top. During the summer month of June, she was spotted by […]
Vintage St. Croix Photographs ~ 1963
St. Croix Photographs
Photographs of the British Virgin Islands ~ 1956
Photographs of the British Virgin Islands 1956 All images above are courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution. Don’t forget to visit the Shop!
Honoring the Anniversary of TRANSFER DAY ~ 1917
Today marks the 108th anniversary of the historic transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States of America. On March 31, 1917, against the backdrop of global uncertainty and mounting fears over Germany’s ambitions, Denmark formally ceded the islands to the United States for $25 million. The strategic move aimed to protect American […]
M/V Kungsholm, The First Ocean Liner to Visit St. John ~ 1958
The Swedish-American liner, M/V Kungsholm, looked like one of the largest ships in the world when it was anchored in tiny Caneel Bay. She was gigantic! Maybe because this was the first time in the history of the islands that a luxury ocean liner visited both the island and a US National Park. Filled to maximum capacity […]
Virgin Gorda, A Beautiful Place with Wonderful Accommodations ~ 1958
Virgin Gorda I love finding and collecting vintage postcards! Here’s one from a guest staying in the British Virgin Islands in 1958. “A beautiful place with wonderful accommodations! Food is simply marvelous with plenty of fruit and fish native to this area. Hurricane Cleo passed by last night, but not much damage here.” HVJ To find […]