Virgin Islands History by Valerie Sims
Virgin Islands History and Culture in Photographs
Thrilling Experience Touring A German Cruiser ~ 1932
The Karlsruhe was launched in 1927 and carried 635 men including 30 officers. Photo Source: U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command. Touring the historic cruiser, Karlsruhe was a thrill for many in the Virgin Islands! Our family was fortunate to have had a look inside the Malakka in 1914 and the Horst Wessel in 1938, among others. But in October […]
The Disappearance of the Sloop, SPIDER ~ 1916
St. Thomas was struck by one of the most destructive hurricanes in the history of the Danish West Indies! ⚡ The unforgettable date was October 9, 1916. The Spider Captain William Creque, the brother of our direct ancestor, sailed right into its fury. On that fateful day, he was the captain on board the Spider. The 45-ft sloop […]
Running a Mom and Pop Shop in St. Croix ~ 1900
Ever wonder what the mom-and-pop stores sold in the Danish West Indies? Generally speaking, EVERYTHING! Our forefather opened several stores in his lifetime, each with an eclectic collection of items from various places around the world. Opening the Store On August 4, 1900, Henry O. Creque opened a store in St. Croix. It was called The American Notion […]
The Sinking of the Schooner, FANCY ME ~ 1926
Launching The Fancy Me The Fancy Me was a locally-built schooner that became infamous when she was lost in a hurricane with most of her passengers who were returning home to their families. It was one of the most tragic events that occurred in the maritime history of the British Virgin Islands. The schooner was built on Hassel […]
Peruvian Independence Celebrated ~ 1916
During the history of the Danish West Indies, the honoring of Peruvian Independence was an important commemoration. 🇵🇪 The History of Peruvian Independence In 1821, General Jose de San Martin organized a plan to defeat Spanish forces by taking control of Lima, Peru. He won and became known as Peru’s liberator. Since that day, the Peruvian Independence holiday […]
Fire Destroys the St. Thomas Telegraph Office ~ 1909
On this day in 1909, a horrific fire destroyed the iconic building which housed the Telegraph Office in St. Thomas! The fire alarm went off shortly after 5 o’clock in the morning and within an hour the building was totally consumed! The only remnants were the upper northwestern wall which had to be pulled down […]
Celebrating July 4th ~ 1930s
July 4th is the most significant day in the history of America!🇺🇸 Colonists from thirteen states, having outlined their list of grievances as to why they no longer wished to remain under King George III’s suppressive rule, created a new allegiance to form the United States of America. On this day in 1776, Congress officially approved the final text of […]
How St. Thomas Honored the Longest Serving Veteran Postman ~ 1903
Recently, several friends on Facebook have wondered about the identity of a Veteran Postman seen in this postcard image above. Mystery Postman Identified! While researching another topic, I stumbled upon the postman’s name in an old newspaper! He is Mr. Joseph Lorand, the longest-serving postal service worker in the Danish West Indies! Receiving an Honorary Award […]
Follow Along as the YAKABOO Island Hops Through the British Virgins ~ 1911
It was Thursday, June 22nd, the Coronation Day of George the Fifth, when a little sailing canoe anchored in the pretty harbor of Tortola! 🇻🇬 He had just arrived from visiting Saba Island in the Dutch Antilles. The skipper, no stranger to the West Indies, went ashore to announce his arrival and was welcomed warmly by […]
GRUNDLOV Constitution Celebrated! ~ 1914
The Grundlov Celebration ON THIS DAY in 1914, the Grundlov celebration took place at the Apollo theatre in St. Thomas. This historic celebration marked the granting of a new Constitution for Denmark and the Danish West Indies! Hundreds attended the meeting wearing their red and white badges, in what was, the first patriotic celebration of its kind. History of Denmark’s Constitution Mr. […]