U.S. Virgin Islands History & Culture

U.S. Virgin Islands Forts

The oldest buildings on the islands are forts that were used by Europeans as a defense against colonizing countries. On St. Thomas, tour Fort Christian, which boasts a museum dedicated to the history of the U.S. Virgin Islands … and maybe ghosts. St. Croix’s well-preserved Fort Christiansvaern dates to 1749, houses a museum and is a part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Uncover All the Island Forts

Historical Sites

The U.S. Virgin Islands are steeped in history. Experience it yourself in places like Christiansted’s historic district on St. Croix. Climb Charlotte Amalie’s stone stairways to spy Danish-era architecture on St. Thomas. Hike the challenging Reef Bay Trail on St. Johns to see Taíno rock carvings and Danish sugar-plantation remains. Each landmark speaks to the many cultures that have shaped the islands over time.

Explore Must-See Historical Sites

Museums

Immerse yourself in the history of the U.S. Virgin Islands at numerous museums that focus on everything from shipwrecks to sugarcane plantations. The Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center on St. John explores area history, culture, flora and fauna, while the Apothecary Museum on St. Croix provides a look at medicine in the early 1800s. Set sail to the Pirates Treasure Museum on St. Thomas to see authentic booty and learn about the modern-day technology that helps with its retrieval.

Visit U.S. Virgin Islands Museums

Houses of Worship

Attend Mass and marvel at delicate frescos, Catholic relics and sunlight streaming though colorful stained glass at the early-1800s Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas. Take a tour of the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas synagogue, which is the second-oldest Jewish temple in the Western Hemisphere and one of five in the world featuring a sand floor (a now rare Sephardic-Dutch tradition). These sacred spaces also make for stunning wedding venues.

Tour of USVI Houses of Worship

U.S. Virgin Islands Carnivals

During three vibrant annual festivals, each island shows off its own distinctive version of West Indian culture. Revel in J’ouvret, pre-dawn dance parties that can last all day and turn into after-hour fetes, and celebrate the end of slavery and Dutch rule in the islands. The hearts of the events are Carnival Villages, where you can dance to calypso, reggae and soca concerts and savor local cuisine. The St. Thomas Carnival runs April through early May, The St. John Celebration is held late June to July 4, and the Crucian Christmas Festival takes place from late December to early January.

Attend USVI Carnivals & Events

U.S. Virgin Islands Farmers’ Markets

At local farmers’ markets, experience U.S. Virgin Islands culture through the flavors of tropical produce — like starfruit, soursop and mango — along with sweet Johnny cakes and salt fish cooked in coal pots. On Saturday mornings, visit markets at Rothschild Francis Square (aka Market Square) in St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie, Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park on St. John and the St. Croix Agricultural Fairgrounds.

Browse More Farmers’ Markets

Local Food

Our traditional dishes are comparable to the soul food of the U.S. South: delicious meals made with humble ingredients and recipes passed down for generations. Favorites include Kallaloo, a West African-inspired stew made with leafy greens and pork or seafood. Sometimes you’ll find it paired with fungi (pronounced “foon-gee), which is like a polenta dumpling that’s so beloved it’s half of the unofficial dish of the U.S. Virgin Islands — Fish and Fungi. You can find it on many of our local restaurant menus.

Try the Local Cuisine

U.S. Virgin Islands History and Culture