Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
How the Coaling Women Persevered ~ 1907
One of the unique scenes on Hassel Island was the line of women who served as coal carriers or coal porters on the coaling dock. The baskets of coal averaged 80 to 100 pounds, yet these coaling women carried them on the tops of their heads without steadying them with their hands. Here’s an interesting […]
Remarks President Herbert Hoover Made About His Visit ~ 1931
Herbert Clark Hoover was the first sitting US President in Virgin Islands history to visit the islands ~ 1931. Thousands came out to greet him! Governor Pearson, having only arrived himself about ten days prior, welcomed him and took him on a tour of all the scenic locations in St. Thomas. Later, he visited with Colonial […]
Panoramic View of St. Thomas ~ 1936
Scenic view of St. Thomas taken in 1936 📷 Around this time, Secretary Harold L. Ickes was visiting the islands, Snipe boat racing was popular and the motor vessel, Flamingo was making scheduled trips to St. John. Learn more about Harold L. Ickes at amazon
Pot Sellers of St. Croix ~ 1907
This is a wonderful image featuring the types of cooking pots used in the islands ~ 1907 It was captured by Mrs. Emilie Langkjaer who moved to St. Croix with her family in 1898. Many of her photographs became popular postcards. Her husband was Chairman of the Board for the St. Croix Hojere Skole in Frederiksted. […]
Early Image of the Creque Marine Railway ~ 1912
The Railway This is an early photograph of the railway at Hassel Island. The Creque Marine Railway was kept very busy after the Hurricanes in 1916 and 1924. Click this link for a quick view of its history and some of the vessels repaired there. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
44 Ships Belonging to the North Atlantic Fleet Pass St. Croix ~ 1917
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 […]
9 Newspaper Men Are First to Tour the Danish Training Ship, DANMARK ~ 1934
This week marks the anniversary of the first visit of the Danish Training ship, Danmark to our shores. 🇩🇰 In 1934, Virgin Islanders rolled out the red carpet for the crew and cadets when they arrived. Gallantly entertained at the home of Consul-General Thage and Mrs. Thage, the officers enjoyed a sumptuous buffet supper. The following day, a picnic was planned for everyone at Lindbergh […]
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 […]