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By
Tom Wuckovich
The
flags of seven nations have flown over the Virgin Islands,
and St. Croix was under Danish rule when the U.S. purchased
it, St. Thomas and St. John for $25 million in 1917.
For the small sum of $25 per acre, the U.S. acquired
an 84-square mile island of natural beauty that now
boasts a population of more than 55,000 (larger than
its more famous Neighbor, St. Thomas), and where tourism
is again on the rise.
The
island is a panoply of brightly colored vegetation -
ironically, most of it imported - and ringed with beautiful
soft sand beaches. Inland, the St. Croix is quite hilly
and divided by a small range of hills that affects the
weather. On the western side, rainfall is more plentiful
and has spawned a thick, green rain forest. The eastern
end of the island is more arid and consequently, less
vegetation grows there.
Christiansted,
on the eastern shore, is the capital, and is a quaint
collection of historical homes and buildings that house
shops and attractions, nightclubs and restaurants. In
the busy season, tourists flock to the boutiques and
bars and to the restored area adjacent to the old fort
that once guarded the harbor.
 Arcades
and stone buildings that were built centuries ago when
the Danes owned the island have been preserved, and
that heritage can be see first hand by a visit to the
Government House and the area around the wharf, which
are part of the Christiansted Historical Site, administered
by the U.S. National Park Service.
The
wharf is clogged with shops and shopping centers like
Kings Alley. Tourists mingle throughout the area, looking
for the good bargains, and snapping up the famous St.
Croix "hook bracelet" that was designed on
the island and has become its signature piece of jewelry.
Lately, a new stone, larimar, which is turquoise in
color, has been added as an extra incentive. It would
make a nice gift for the wedding party.
By
contrast, Frederiksted, the other major city on St.
Croix, is more laid back and less commercial than Christiansted.
Fort Frederik on the waterfront at the northern end
of town has been restored and houses a museum. Other
buildings of particular charm include the Old Customs
House and the Apothecary Hall on Queen Street. Most
cruise ships call and Frederiksted and offer excursions
to Christiansted. (CONTINUED...)
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