Christiansted National Historic Site


Christiansted National Historic Site was established in 1952 as the first unit of the National Park Service in the Virgin Islands of the United States. Covering over seven acres the park tells the stories about Danish economy and ways of life, and the interactions of people in Europe, Africa, West Indies, and North America during the Danish era of occupation of the Virgin Islands (1734-1917).

To Christiansted National Historic Site from Henry E. Rohlsen Airport: Drive east on Route 64 to Melvin Edwards Highway (Route 66). Turn right and continue for 4.8 miles (7.2 kilometers). Continue straight onto Old Centerline Road (Queen Mary Highway), and continue straight onto the Christiansted Bypass 3.7 miles (5.9 km). Turn left onto Hospital Street. The parking lot for Christiansted National Historic Site will be on your right.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Architecture and Building
  • African American Heritage
  • Archeology
  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Enslavement
  • Forts
  • Hispanic American Heritage
  • Maritime
  • Coastal Defenses
  • Maritime - Military
  • Piracy and Privateering
  • Military
  • Social Movements
  • Civil Rights
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Colonial/European Contact Conflicts

Fort Christiansvaern

fiew of the exterior of the fort

Fort Christiansvaern was built between 1738 and 1749. It is made of brick, stone, and coral block.

Customs House

view of the front steps of the Customs House

A customs house has stood on this spot since the 1730s. The current building was finished in the 1842.

Fort Christiansvaern - Commandant's Quarters

View of the interior courtyard and stairs to the quarters of the fort's Commandant.

Fort Christiansvaern served as the residence for the Danish colony's Governor, then for the fort's Commandant and his family.

Steeple Building

view of the Steeple Building from the street corner.

First known as the Church of Our Lord of Zebaoth, the church was completed in 1751, and consecrated in 1753. The steeple tower was built 1793-1796.

Commerce and the Christiansted Wharf

Ca. 1815 painting of activity at the wharf in Christiansted, St. Croix.

The Christiansted wharf was a cosmopolitan port throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

Young Alexander Hamilton

Drawing of Alexander Hamilton, age 18

Alexander Hamilton spent his youth on St. Croix, from 1765 until 1772. This drawing was made shortly after he left the island.