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.

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.