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How a New Name for the Danish West Indies was Chosen ~ 1917

dr christensen of St.Thomas, Danish West Indies
Dr. Viggo Christensen

Choosing a New Name

Months prior to the official Transfer Day ceremony, a resolution was submitted to the House of Representatives with a recommendation for a new name for the Danish West Indies.

They wished to name the islands in honor of Admiral George Dewey.  

 

Admiral George Dewey

The Danish West Indies were going to be named for Admiral George Dewey but many were against this idea.
Admiral George Dewey

Admiral Dewey was a US Naval officer who became an American hero after the Spanish-American war.  

According to Aimery Caron’s research, it was Admiral Dewey that convinced President Woodrow Wilson of the great urgency in acquiring the islands.

Because of the Admiral’s influence, the islands were saved from the “scourge of German U-boats” that would have occupied the harbors during World War I.

Dewey Islands was proposed for the new name for the Danish West Indies.

Protests Against the New Name

Nevertheless, citizens in St. Thomas protested against the new name.

Dr. Viggo Christensen, a well respected civic leader, voiced his concerns in the local newspaper.

He argued that Admiral Dewey never had any real connection with the islands, and the name Dewey Islands, would not easily become naturalized.  

He thought the name, United States West Indies was ill-sounding and very bad.  

American Virgin Islands

Admiral Dewey, Admiral of the New Empire, book
Learn more at amazon.com

Instead, he suggested the name, American Virgin Islands.  

He thought this new name, flowed well, sounded well and was entirely appropriate.

Thanks to Dr. Christensen, his suggestion gave rise to the final name chosen, The Virgin Islands of the United States of America. 🇺🇸🇻🇮

*Resource:  The Urgency for the Acquisition of the Danish West Indies by Aimery Caron.

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