Every March, Virgin Islanders celebrate a peaceful transfer of ownership – an “independence” day unique to these islands. On March 31, 1917, an elaborate ceremony carried out simultaneously on each of the three Virgin Islands — St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John — marked a change in ownership of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States.
The United States investigated the Virgin Islands as a possible fueling station or U.S. merchant and naval vessels as early as the mid-1860’s. A treaty between the two countries was first negotiated in 1867, however a complicated process of give-and-take termed “diplomatic fencing” ensued whereby Denmark signed the agreement and the U.S. waffled for several years before agreeing to sign, at which time Denmark opted to ignore the United States’ overture. By 1915, the U.S. acknowledged an urgent need to prevent another power from establishing a base in the Caribbean and agreed to pay Denmark $25 million in gold coin for the islands — up from the original asking price of $7.5 million! The transfer treaty was finalized on January 17, 1917 and the official transfer took place at 4:00 pm on March 31 of that year.
According to contemporary accounts, Virgin Islanders were pleased to become U.S. citizens and did not dispute the new ownership. In St. Thomas, the U.S. was represented at the transfer ceremony by a guard of honor from the U.S. ship Valkyrien anchored in Charlotte Amalie Harbor and a Danish guard of honor stood outside the barracks belonging to the Danish fort. In St. Croix, the transfer proclamation was read aloud by dignitaries in Christiansted and in Frederiksted. Needless to say, national anthems were played and artillery salutes were fired – 89 in total!
What an exciting yet solemn day it must have been for Virgin Islanders! Since that day, the islands have become thoroughly American, yet the islands’ rich Danish heritage is apparent everywhere — in family names, place names, street names and architecture. For fascinating photographic records of long-ago life in the Virgin Islands, go to stcroixfoodandwine.com, stcroixlandmarks.com and search “photos.”
We’re thrilled for our clients, Kathy and Randy, who in December celebrated one year as owners of 
It helps that Kathy and Randy have great vision for a property’s potential and a knack for renovations. Since closing in July 2014, they have completely remodeled all of the vacation units, from decorating, new tile, and new kitchens. The outside has been given a face lift and fresh coat of paint, and they have a secure gated courtyard that has been beautiful landscaped with 100+ year old trees and lots of island flowers. 
If you’re planning a move to St. Croix with Fido or Fluffy, making arrangements for their travel may be challenging. Most commercial airlines will not accept pets as checked baggage if the temperature is more than 85 degrees F or below 10 degrees F at any point in your travel (origin, in transit or destination). So, even if it’s a cool 77 in Philly or St. Louis, if it’s 86 during a layover or at STX, your pets will not be allowed to fly in cargo. Some airlines may also have date restrictions.
As with any major addition or subtraction to historic Christiansted, both enthusiastic proponents and those who resist the change have had something to say. Businesses hope that casino gaming will increase foot traffic in downtown Christiansted, thereby attracting more restaurants and shops to the neighborhood. There are online casinos and games like 
Are you looking for beautiful, colorful tropical plants to landscape and decorate your new island home? Visit the 
Twice voted Best Real Estate Broker on St. Croix. Coldwell Banker President's Circle three years in a row. 