Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
national historic landmark in 1977. A museum here illuminates the island's his-
tory and culture. Inside you'll see cultural workshops and an exhibit of late-
Victorian furnishings. A museum shop features local crafts, maps, and prints.
Fort Christian (
&
340/776-8605
) is open Monday through Friday from 9am
to 4pm; admission is $4.
Continue walking up Fort Pladsen to:
3
Emancipation Park
This is where a proclamation freeing African slaves and indentured European
servants was read on July 3, 1848. The park is now mostly a picnic area for local
workers and visitors. Near the park is the:
4
Grand Hotel
From here, a visitor center dispenses valuable travel information about the
island. When this hotel was launched in 1837, it was a grand address, but it later
fell into decay, and finally closed in 1975. The former guest rooms upstairs have
been turned into offices and a restaurant.
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Northwest of the park, at Main Street and Tolbod Gade, stands the:
5
Central Post Office
On display here are murals by Stephen Dohanos, who became famous as an
artist for the
Saturday Evening Post.
From the post office, walk east along Norre Gade to the:
6
Frederik Lutheran Church
This church was built between 1780 and 1793. The original Georgian-style
building, financed by a free black parishioner, Jean Reeneaus, was recon-
structed in 1825 and again in 1870, after it was damaged in a hurricane.
Exiting the church, walk east along Norre Gade to Lille Taarne Gade. Turn left (north)
and climb to Kongens Gade (King St.), passing through a neighborhood of law firms, to:
7
Government House
This is the administrative headquarters for the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's been the
center of political life in the islands since it was built, around the time of the
American Civil War. Visitors can take a tour on the first two floors for free Mon-
day through Saturday from 8am to noon and from 1 to 5pm.
After leaving Government House, turn immediately to your left and look for the sign for:
8
Seven Arches Museum
Browsers and gapers love checking out this museum at Government Hill
(
&
340/774-9295
), the private home of longtime residents Philibert Fluck
and Barbara Demaras. This 2-centuries-old Danish house has been completely
restored and furnished with antiques. Walk through the yellow ballast arches
into the Great Room, which has a wonderful view of the Caribbean's busiest
harbor. The $7 admission fee includes a cold tropical drink served in a beautiful,
walled flower garden. It's open by appointment.
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