At 84 square miles, St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. At the east end--which actually is the easternmost point of the United States--the terrain is rocky and arid. The west end is more lush and even includes a small "rain forest" of mango, mahogany, tree ferns, and dangling lianas. Between the two extremes are beautiful beaches, rolling hills, pastures, and, increasingly, miles of condos.

St. Croix has only two sizable towns: Christiansted on the north central shore and Frederiksted in the southwest. The Alexander Hamilton Airport is on the south coast, directly west of the Hess Oil Refinery, the major industry on the island.

No roads circle St. Croix's coast. Christiansted is west of Frederiksted. It's hard to get lost in tiny Frederiksted. Most visitors head for the central historic district, where the Frederiksted Pier extends out into the sea. The two major streets, both of which run parallel to the water, are Strand Street and King Street.

Christiansted's historic district--the only part of the capital that's of interest to visitors--is in the center bordering Veterans Drive, which runs along the waterfront. The district is split by a number of shop-filled little streets, including Gutters Gade, Trompeter Gade, and Raadets Gade.

Around Frederiksted ~ This former Danish settlement at the western end of the island, about 17 miles from Christiansted, is a sleepy port town that comes to life only when a cruise ship docks at its shoreline. Frederiksted was destroyed by a fire in 1879, and the citizens rebuilt it by putting wood frames and clapboards on top of the old Danish stone and yellow-brick foundations. Most visitors begin their tour at russet-colored Fort Frederik, at the northern end of Frederiksted next to the cruise-ship pier. Ft. Frederik, completed in 1760, is said to have been the first to salute the flag of the new United States. When an American brigantine anchored at port in Frederiksted hoisted a homemade Old Glory, the fort returned the salute with cannon fire, violating the rules of neutrality. Also, on July 3, 1848, Governor-General Peter von Scholten emancipated the slaves in the Danish West Indies, in response to a slave uprising led by a young man named Moses "Buddhoe" Gottlieb. In 1998, a bust of Buddhoe was unveiled here. The fort has been restored to its 1840 appearance and today is a national historic landmark. You can explore the courtyard and stables. A local history museum has been installed in what was once the Garrison Room. Admission is free. Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The Customs House, just east of the fort, is an 18th-century building with a 19th-century two-story gallery. To the south of the fort is visitors' bureau at Strand Street, where you can pick up a free map of the town.

Getting Around

By Car ~ Remember to drive on the left. In most rural areas, the speed limit is 35 m.p.h.; certain parts of Route 66, are 55 m.p.h. In towns and urban areas, the speed limit is 20 m.p.h. St. Croix offers moderately priced car rentals, even on cars with automatic transmissions and air conditioning. Avis, Budget, and Hertz all maintain their headquarters at the island's airport. Collision-damage insurance costs around $13.95 per day, depending on the company. Some credit-card companies grant you collision-damage protection if you pay for the rental with their card. Verify coverage with your card company.

By Taxi ~ At Alexander Hamilton Airport you'll find official taxi rates posted. Expect to pay about $10 from the airport to Frederiksted, as the cabs are unmetered and offers door-to-door service. Agree on the rate before you get in.

By Bus ~ Air-conditioned buses run between Christiansted and Frederiksted about every 30 minutes daily between the hours of 5:30am and 9pm. They start at Tide Village, to the east of Christiansted, and go along Route 75 to the Golden Rock Shopping Center. Then they make their way to Route 70, with stopovers at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center, La Reine Shopping Center, St. George Village Botanical Garden, and Whim Plantation Museum before reaching Frederiksted. Bus service is also available from the airport to both Christiansted and Frederiksted. The fare is $1.00, 50¢ for senior citizens. For more information, call 340.778.0898

By Bike ~ St. Croix Bike and Tours (5035 Cotton Valley, Christiansted, 340.773.5004), offers bike rentals. Its 21-speed mountain bikes are best suited for the rugged terrain of St. Croix. The company also features a moderate 12-mile historical-eco-tour, which runs along the rolling western coast, and a 14-mile ridge line tropical mountain bike tour for the more experienced biker. Guides are knowledgeable about the social, political, and natural history of the island.

Island Information: US VI Dept. of Tourism

Rates and Numbers current as of August, 2000

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