Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLAVERY & PLANTOCRACY
The West Indies grew rich producing sugar and cotton for Europe. In pursuit of profits, the
Danish West India and Guinea Company declared St Thomas a free port in 1724, and pur-
chased St Croix from the French in 1733. At this point, there were about 5000 African slaves
in the Danish West Indies and fewer than 2000 in the British Virgin Islands. By the end of
the century, the number of slaves exceeded 40,000. Something had to give - and it did.
Top Towns for Historical Architecture
» Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas
» Christiansted, St Croix
» Frederiksted, St Croix
In 1733 harsh living conditions and oppressive laws drove the slaves on St John to revolt.
After eight months, during which the slaves destroyed most of the plantations on the island
and killed or drove off the white gentry, Danes and loyal slave militias as well as English
and French forces brought the rebellion under control. Once again it was business as usual.
The Danish Virgin Islands, in particular, turned a pretty profit supplying smuggled goods to
support the American Revolution, which had begun in 1776. One of the emerging US lead-
ers, Alexander Hamilton, spent much of his youth on St Croix.
