Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moses 'General Budhoe' Gottlieb leads the slave revolt on St Croix. The group takes
over Frederiksted. Danish Governor Peter von Scholten feels the heat and grants
colony-wide emancipation.
1867
By now the islands are known as refueling stations for steamers on trade routes.
After one such stop, the RMS Rhone sinks in a hurricane off Salt Island.
1867
US President Abe Lincoln's Secretary of State, WH Seward, tries to buy St Thomas,
St John and St Croix from Denmark for $7.5 million. Congress vetoes the deal.
1878
St Croix's plantation workers, pushed to the limit by a labor dispute, riot and torch
Frederiksted and the surrounding plantations. Three women lead the uprising, known
as the Fireburn.
1917
During WWI, the US fears German armies might invade Denmark and claim the
Danish West Indies. The US pays the Danes $25 million in gold for the islands.
1927
The US Congress grants American citizenship to residents in the USVI.
1949
Following WWII British citizens in the BVI clamor for more independence and
demonstrate for a representative government; they soon get a presidential legislature.
1967
The BVI becomes an independent colony with its own political parties, Legislative
Council and elected premier. The following year, the USVI wins the right to elect its
own governor.
1969
The Moorings charter-boat company opens for business in Tortola with three boats.
Today it boasts 700 vessels, the largest fleet in the Caribbean.
1978
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