Christiansted - Christiansted National Historic Site (Fort Christiansvaern)
Constructed from yellow Danish brick and masonry, Fort Christiansvaern (Christian's Defences) was built between 1738 and 1749. Of the five Danish forts in the West Indies, this is the best preserved featuring cannoned ramparts surrounding a central courtyard, prison cells, dungeons, a kitchen and soldiers quarters furnished in period décor. A small military museum is also on site.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
The fort was built to protect the colony from the onslaught of pirates, hurricanes and slave revolts. Although Danish soldiers were stationed here until 1878, the forts cannons and guns have never been fired in an armed conflict. After 1878 the fort served as an island courthouse and prison.
National Park Services / Christiansted National Historic Site
2100 Church St. #100
Danish Custom House
Christiansted, St Croix 00820
United States Virgin Islands
2100 Church St. #100
Danish Custom House
Christiansted, St Croix 00820
United States Virgin Islands
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 |
Parking
Free
Related Attractions
Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse
Built in 1749, this three-story neoclassical structure and walled courtyard was the warehouse and headquarters for the Danish West India and Guinea Company. Until the abolition of the slavery in the 19th C, the courtyard was the site of a busy slave market.
Also used as military headquarters, today the building is Christiansted's main post office. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
Also used as military headquarters, today the building is Christiansted's main post office. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
Old Danish Customs House
For more than a century this yellow brick and masonry building served as the Dane's customs house. Construction of the Old Danish Customs House began 1750 and the building, which features a 16-step entrance, has changed over the years with a second floor added c1830 that was once the town's post office. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
Old Danish Scale House
Built from yellow-masonry construction, this two-story hipped-roof Old Danish Scale House was built in 1856. It is the site of a former Danish weighing station for sugar exports, as well as imports that arrived in St Croix. Today housing the offices of the National Parks Service, the scales and the weigh-master's office can be seen. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
Read More
