The U.S. Virgin Islands, comprising St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, have a rich and complex history that spans indigenous habitation, European colonization, and eventual acquisition by the United States. Originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Caribs, and Arawaks, the islands were first encountered by Europeans in 1493 when Christopher Columbus named them “The Virgins” in honour of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. Over the centuries, the islands saw control by various European powers, notably the Danish, who established significant settlements and developed the islands’ economies through sugar plantations reliant on enslaved labour. This tumultuous period saw numerous shifts in power and population dynamics, culminating in the United States’ strategic purchase of the islands from Denmark in 1917.
Chronological history of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Pre-Columbian and Early European Exploration
- Ciboney, Caribs, and Arawaks: Original inhabitants of the islands.
- 1493: Christopher Columbus names the islands “The Virgins” after St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins during his second voyage.
Early Colonial Period
- 1625: English and Dutch jointly settle Saint Croix. Later joined by French settlers.
- 1650: Spanish forces from Puerto Rico drive out English and Dutch settlers. The French reclaim the island, which is later abandoned.
Danish Colonial Period
- 1671: Danish West India Company is chartered.
- 1672: Danes establish a settlement on St. Thomas.
- 1685: Treaty allows Brandenburg American Company to establish a slave-trading post on St. Thomas.
- 1718: Danish West India Company successfully settles on St. John.
- 1733: Danish West India Company purchases St. Croix from France.
Development and Struggles
- Late 17th to Early 18th Century: Islands become hubs for sugar plantations, reliant on enslaved labour.
- 1848: Enslaved people on St. Croix revolt and gain freedom, but economic struggles continue due to outdated plantation methods.
American Interest and Purchase
- 1867: Initial U.S. attempt to purchase the islands from Denmark fails.
- 1917: The U.S. purchases the islands for $25 million in gold coin, fearing German control during WWI. The islands are renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands.
20th Century Changes
- 1920: Virgin Islanders granted American nationality.
- 1932: Virgin Islanders become U.S. citizens.
- 1970: The islands win the right to elect their own governor.
Modern Period
- Today: The U.S. Virgin Islands remain an unincorporated territory of the U.S., with residents unable to vote in presidential elections or elect voting members of Congress.
The history of the U.S. Virgin Islands is a testament to their strategic importance and rich cultural heritage. From their early days of indigenous habitation and European exploration to their significant role in the transatlantic slave trade and plantation economy, the islands have been shaped by diverse influences. The transfer of the islands to the United States in 1917 marked a new chapter, integrating them into the broader American socio-political landscape while preserving their unique Caribbean identity. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands stand as a vibrant reminder of the complex interplay of cultures and historical forces that have defined their past.
