Hassel Island

Lying in the middle of St Thomas Harbor, Hassel Island covers 120ac/49ha of land that is protected by the National Parks Service. The island was originally connected to the mainland until 1865 when it was separated by the Dutch to help water flow more freely, thereby reducing sewage build-ups which spurred cholera epidemics.

In the late 19th C, Hassel Island was a repair facility and coaling station used by various shipping lines. Today, Hassel Island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and features ruins from the shipping era that are listed on National Register of Historic Landmarks.