Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
American-appointed governors 1917-1971 and those elected
since 1971.
Nearby
Hotel 1829
is both an operating hotel and National
Historic Site. Designed in Spanish style, it was built as a
townhouse for a French sea captain. Look for his initials in
the wrought-iron grillwork on the balcony above the main
entrance.
99 Steps - Haagensen House
The island's famed steps are alongside the Hotel 1829.
These brick steps (actually, I counted 101) are part of an old
street. The bricks were used as ships ballast, with the yellow
ones coming from Denmark and the red ones from England,
France and Spain. There are steps on many hillsides here
because the Danish engineers who planned the town laid out
the grid pattern unaware of St. Thomas' hilly terrain. As you
climb the steps, you'll see Haagensen House, which was
built in the 18th century as a Danish home, then served as
the official residence of the colonial governors. It contains
crystal chandeliers, a hand-carved four-poster bed and other
lovely furnishings. The house has been renovated and is
open to the public.
Blackbeard's Castle
Atop the 99 Steps stands a 252-foot tower built in 1680 as
part of the town's fortification. It is now the centerpiece of a
boutique hotel. Recently designated a National Historic
Landmark, its name refers to the pirate Edward Teach who
is said to have spent much time on St. Thomas.
The view from the tower, which dominates Government Hill,
spans the town, harbor and out to Frenchman's Reef. The
stunning white Greek Revival structure to the right, topped
by the red and white flag, is the Danish consulate. The hill it
sits on is called Denmark Hill.
