Southern most and largest of the US Virgin Islands is the island of St Croix. At 22 miles long and 7 miles wide, the island covers some 83 sq miles. Nicknamed “Twin City” because of the two main cities, Fredriksted to the west and Christiansted to the east.
“In 1916 Denmark sold the islands to the US for $25 Million Dollars in gold.”
Settled by indigenous groups throughout prehistory, until Columbus landed on the island on November 14, 1493. Territorial claims included Spain, Netherlands, Great Britain and France [ 1650 to 1733 ]. On June 13, 1733 France sold the island to Denmark-Norway and the Danish West India Company. For almost 200 years the three islands, St Thomas, St Croix and St John were collectively known as the Danish West Indies.
In 1916 Denmark sold the islands to the United States for $25 million dollars in gold. Transfer was completed on April 1, 1917. But, it would be another 10 years before residents of the US Territory were granted citizenship.
Today, St Croix’s economy focuses on tourism. With miles of beautiful sand beaches, snorkeling and diving as well as shopping. Visitors can also tour St Croix’s beautiful natural and historic preservation areas such as Buck Island Reef National Monument, Green Cay National Wildlife Preserve, Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, Point Udall and St Croix East End Marine Park.
The island is also home to Cruzan Rum Distillery, founded in 1760; which produces Cruz brand rums as well as Captain Morgan.