Fort Christiansvern

St. Croix is steeped in history, and one way to gain a glimpse of it is by visiting the historic Fort Christiansvaern. You can spend all day or as much time as you like here exploring the fort and the surrounding grounds and take in the spectacular views and ocean breezes along the way.

Fort Christiansvaern is considered to be the Caribbean’s best-preserved fort and a site not to be missed. It's also the oldest structure on the island! Exploring the fortification and the surrounding grounds can provide you with a profound sense of what it was like to live here in the past and how the Danish ruled the island at the time.

Constructed between the years of 1738 and 1749 by enslaved Africans alongside Danish soldiers, the fort serves as a focal point of both the past and the present. The building itself is a combination of classic colonial structure and Danish military architecture. Its pale-yellow coloring exemplifies the colonial style of the Danish at the time the fort was constructed.

Built around a small courtyard, the fort also offers visitors access to its interior, including the historic dungeons. A small museum is housed within where you can learn more about the fort as well as the history of the island.

Location

Head to the northeastern side of the island and find the seven acres designated as the Christiansted National Historic Site. There you will find the imposing and impressive Fort Christiansvaern overlooking the harbor’s entrance, as well as other historic buildings. More precisely, the fort is located at the very foot of King Street in downtown Christiansted.

Christiansted is the biggest town on the island of St. Croix and is positioned directly on the waterfront. Combine both nature and culture here as you make your way to the fort, enjoying charming shops, galleries, and cafes.

There is plenty of free parking available on the property's parking lot; However, they have strict rules for not parking there past 4:30PM. Beware: Your car will be towed!

History

The Danish occupation of the Virgin Islands, including St. Croix, occurred between the years of 1734 and 1917. During this time, the Danish sought to protect shipping from potential invaders and possibly even pirates in the area, so they constructed Fort Christiansvaern for that purpose. The fort also was soon tasked with enforcing the collection of customs duties on the import of goods onto the island.

Fort Christiansvaern housed various prisoners at one time, including Rachel Faucette, the mother of Alexander Hamilton, in 1750. Her husband had her imprisoned during her time living on the island and supporting herself and children by running a small supply store. Hamilton himself lived on the island between the ages of 10 and 18.

Around 1830, a new plan was implemented, stationing a Danish infantry company and artillery attachment at the fort. Danish troops quartered within the fort itself and provided internal security. Also, in the 1830s, a stable yard and walled prison yard were added to the layout of the fort and grounds.

The fort served as one of the venues for the transference of the Dutch West Indies to the US on March 31, 1917, thus creating what we know today as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Restoration of Fort Christiansvaern, however, didn’t occur until 1952. With this restoration, it became a National Historic Site, thus preserving its history for generations to come.

Self-Guided Tour

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour at your own pace and take in all the sites as you enjoy occasional sea breezes and spectacular harbor views.

Stop first in the National Park Service Office and pick up a map to help you find your way around. This is also where you pay for admission. They have plenty of informational booklets to teach you about the fort and St. Croix's history as a whole.

At the fort itself, take in the small courtyard, remaining cannons, power magazines, and exterior architecture. Make your way to the top grounds for gorgeous views of the town, the ocean, and the surrounding island.

Venture inside and gain views of prisoner cells with barred windows that provided a glimpse of the ocean in the near distance. Experience the dungeons, officers’ barracks, and more. You’ll also want to spend time taking in the museum exhibit showcasing the history of the fort, the town of Christiansted, and life on the island of St. Croix.

Bring a snack or picnic with you to enjoy on the picnic tables located just outside the fort in between or after your tour. Additional structures fill the historic park, so you may want to explore those as well. These include the Steeple Building and the 1753 Scale House.

Visitor hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A $7 entrance fee is required, but with it, you can spend as much time as you like on the grounds.

What's Nearby

Located right in the mix of all that Downtown Christiansted has to offer, there are limitless restaurants. Some of our favorites include Too.Chez, Cafe Fresco, No Bones Cafe, and Caroline's Breakfast. In addition,  V.I. Coffee Roasters or The Bistro are great spots for a quick caffeine pick-me-up.