Imagine looking out to the horizon and seeing a flotilla of battleships coming into view. This happened in 1917 on a cloudy, January morning when citizens in Christiansted witnessed an unusual fleet of Naval ships just beyond the three-mile limit. As word spread, residents rushed down to the shore to see for themselves. When they noticed the first battleship […]
DANISH West Indies
How a Family Historian Discovered Where Hugo Larsen Painted One of His Masterpieces ~ 1905
By Dr. Dante Beretta A little over 100 years ago, a talented young Danish artist named Hugo Larsen, visited the Danish West Indies. During his three year sojourn in the West Indies, he spent the majority of his time on the island of St. Thomas, creating many drawings and paintings. My favorite Hugo Larsen is […]
Honoring Alexander Hamilton’s Birthday
#OnThisDay At 17 years of age, Alexander Hamilton wrote a captivating letter to his father about a devastating hurricane that destroyed much of St. Croix in 1772. Once published, it changed the course of his life and history forever. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, Alexander Hamilton. 🎈 SaveSave SaveSave Discover 6 Important Quotes […]
A Famous English Actor Causes Quite a Stir ~ 1903
Did you know that one of England’s most popular actors visited St. Thomas? Edward Compton visits St. Thomas Edward Compton was an English actor, renowned for his performances of the 18th century, Shakespearean plays. When the RMS Solent stopped in St. Thomas, news traveled fast about the distinguished passenger on board. Mr. Compton was on a tour through […]
Celebrating Three King’s Day ~ 1910
Three King’s Day had the reputation of being the happiest of the holiday seasons! It was a half-holiday that started at noon, but the partying usually went from morning to evening. The Meaning of Three King’s Day For many Christians, the holiday season didn’t officially end until the 12th day of Christmas, known as the Feast of the […]
Rebuilding a Sunken Sailboat ~ 1916
The Schooner, Eagle Last year, I shared a fascinating story about the inter-island sloop, Eagle. Included were rare photographs of her crew and some of her passengers. The Owner In late 1916, the owner of the Eagle was Captain Oswald Waldemar George of St. John. His route spanned the seas between the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic. The Eagle, like the Zuhrah, Fancy Me, […]
How One Family Shared the Sad Story of the 1733 Slave Revolt
A group of captive men from the African Akwamu tribe planned an attack against their masters at Estate Fortsberg in Coral Bay. ~ November 23, 1733 The slave revolt was an attempt to gain their freedom at all costs, even if it meant death. During the 1930s, our great-grandfather owned the estates of Mary’s Point and Annaberg. Whenever he motored […]
Lost at Sea! A Jost Van Dyke Sloop Vanishes Without a Trace ~ 1916
Imagine saying farewell to your loved one at the dock as they boarded a boat, then discovering later that they never made it to their destination. On a dark and rainy evening in January of 1916, Mr. C.H. Berrian hugged his wife goodbye as she boarded a boat destined for West End, Tortola. She had been […]