Last updated: October 8, 2024
Place
St. Croix National Heritage Area
VI Historic Preservation Office
Quick Facts
Location:
St. Croix, Virgin Islands USA
Significance:
The St. Croix National Heritage Area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including subtropical rainforests, fertile valleys, coastal plains, beaches, desert-like shrublands, and rocky hills. Its rich marine environment is highlighted by vibrant coral reefs. The island is celebrated as a Caribbean gem for its commitment to both environmental and historic preservation.
Designation:
National Heritage Area
Designated in 2023, St. Croix National Heritage Area is the first NHA located in a US Territory. The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office acts as the coordinating entity. St Croix promotes traditions, customs, beliefs of folklife in the island. The island’s history is made up of multiple cultures, contributing to the country’s traditions that continue to this day. The area can conserve natural, cultural, historic, and scenic characteristics that are important to St. Croix and Nation’s heritage.
St. Croix is the largest of the three Virgin Islands, connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island is rich in biodiversity. The four major industries—manufacturing (including tourism, rum exports, and watch assembly)—remain important drivers of the St. Croix economy. The area balances tourism and environmental sustainability in the area. St. Croix has a mixture of traditions, customs, and folklife that reflect the island's history and beliefs. Although the official language of St. Croix is English, Spanish and French are often heard on the island. This reflects the island's early history, with its first inhabitants coming from South and Central America and later Europeans bringing enslaved Africans from West Africa. This heritage is evident in their food, such as kallaloo, which is enjoyed at many local events and festivals. One unique tradition that continues is the practice of herbal medicine by West Indian Weed Men and Women, developed among Africans living in slavery during the plantation era. This tradition continues today, and Weed Men and Women are sometimes known as herbalists or bush doctors. Folklife culture in St. Croix is passed down from generation to generation, highlighting the importance of history and storytelling. Another cultural tradition that is not as prevalent today is the art of furniture making from the magnificent Mahogany trees of St. Croix. Fine crafted West Indian Mahogany furniture with a unique blending of European and African designs were made by enslaved Africans or indentured African servants working on the plantations or in cabinet shops. Today these furniture pieces are highly sort after for their enduring legacy and fine craftsmanship.
St. Croix is the largest of the three Virgin Islands, connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island is rich in biodiversity. The four major industries—manufacturing (including tourism, rum exports, and watch assembly)—remain important drivers of the St. Croix economy. The area balances tourism and environmental sustainability in the area. St. Croix has a mixture of traditions, customs, and folklife that reflect the island's history and beliefs. Although the official language of St. Croix is English, Spanish and French are often heard on the island. This reflects the island's early history, with its first inhabitants coming from South and Central America and later Europeans bringing enslaved Africans from West Africa. This heritage is evident in their food, such as kallaloo, which is enjoyed at many local events and festivals. One unique tradition that continues is the practice of herbal medicine by West Indian Weed Men and Women, developed among Africans living in slavery during the plantation era. This tradition continues today, and Weed Men and Women are sometimes known as herbalists or bush doctors. Folklife culture in St. Croix is passed down from generation to generation, highlighting the importance of history and storytelling. Another cultural tradition that is not as prevalent today is the art of furniture making from the magnificent Mahogany trees of St. Croix. Fine crafted West Indian Mahogany furniture with a unique blending of European and African designs were made by enslaved Africans or indentured African servants working on the plantations or in cabinet shops. Today these furniture pieces are highly sort after for their enduring legacy and fine craftsmanship.
Historic Sites and Points of Interest:
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Christiansted National Historic Site
- Christiansted National Historic District
- Estate Diamond/Cruzan Rum Factory
- Estate Little Princess/The Nature Conservancy
- Estate Mt. Washington
- Estate Whim Plantation Museum
- Fort Frederik National Historic Landmark Site
- Frederiksted National Historic District
- Friedensthal Moravian Mission Site and Other Churches
- Government House
- Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge
- Lawaetz Family Museum at Estate Little La Grange
- Maroon Ridge
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve / Columbus Landing Site
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Southgate Coastal Reserve
- St. Croix East End Marine Park
- St. George Village Botanical Garden / Estate St. George National Historic District
Notable People:
- Christopher Columbus
- Queen Mary
- Boddhoe and David Hamiliton Jackson
- Alexander Hamilton
- Peter Bentzon
- Tim Duncan