Fort Christian
US Virgin Islands
Fort Christian, located in Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a historic fortification built between 1672 and 1680 by Dano-Norwegian settlers. It played a critical defensive and governmental role throughout the Danish colonial period until 1917, when the islands were sold to the United States. The fort originally stood on a narrow peninsula extending into the harbor, featuring stone curtain walls and diamond-shaped bastions at its corners. While some original structures like the central circular tower were removed in the 19th century and replaced with a Gothic Revival building, three curtain walls and four bastions remain intact. Fort Christian has served multiple roles including a town center, government building, and jail. Today, it houses the St. Thomas Museum, exhibiting artifacts and art from the Dano-Norwegian era. The fort was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1977 and is part of the Charlotte Amalie Historic District. Following a decade-long renovation, it reopened in 2017 for the centennial of Transfer Day, marking its continued cultural significance.
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Tip: Visitors should consider exploring Fort Christian during the dry season for pleasant weather. Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons. The site offers educational exhibits ideal for history enthusiasts. Check opening hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally.
Interesting facts
- •Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- •The fort was named after King Christian V of Denmark-Norway.
- •It served multiple roles including a town center, government building, and jail over its history.
- •The original central circular tower was replaced by a Gothic Revival structure in the 19th century.
- •Fort Christian was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1977.
History
Fort Christian was constructed between 1672 and 1680 under the leadership of Governor Jørgen Iversen Dyppel, during the second successful Danish colonial settlement on Saint Thomas.
Named after King Christian V, the fort expanded in the 18th century and received a Victorian Clock tower entrance in 1874.
It served as a defensive stronghold, government center, and jail throughout Danish rule until the U.S.
acquired the islands in 1917.
The fort was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and transferred to territorial administration in 1975 after being a U.S.
National Historic Site.
Place Guide
North Bastion17th century
One of the four surviving diamond-shaped stone bastions that provided defense coverage for the fort's northern approach.
Victorian Clock Tower Entrance1874
Added in 1874, this Gothic Revival entrance replaced the original central tower and serves as a distinctive architectural feature of the fort.
St. Thomas Museum
Located within the fort, the museum exhibits artifacts and artworks from the Dano-Norwegian colonial period, offering insights into the island's history.
Contact
Phone: (340) 714-3678
