The historical events of St. Croix Emancipation and Fireburn are pivotal moments in the history of the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the backdrop of these events, significant occurrences shaped the course of history on the island.
In July 1848, riots erupted among enslaved workers, marking a turning point. Governor Peter von Scholten’s declaration of increased rights, though a step forward, fell short of expectations. The rights granted, such as having Saturday off in addition to Sunday and the authorization for school construction, were perceived as inadequate by the workers. The subsequent “illegal” general Emancipation in 1848 liberated the workers but left them in a state of limited freedom, as they were compelled to seek contract work, leading to the establishment of “Contract Day.”
The aftermath of Fireburn in 1878, coupled with rising operational costs and the loss of markets post-Napoleonic wars, where sugar beet emerged as a competitor in Europe and North America, resulted in the closure or foreclosure of many estates on the island. Governor von Scholten’s emancipation decree had immediate repercussions as slave owners faced substantial financial losses and sought compensation from the Danish government. However, due to the ongoing civil war in Denmark, compensation was not granted until 1853.
The emergence of sugar beet as a prominent competitor significantly reduced the demand for sugar from St. Croix. The remaining estates struggled to sustain operations amidst diminishing demand, leading to a decline in the sugar industry on St. Croix. The prevailing sense of discontent among the workers further exacerbated the industry’s inevitable downfall, with no clear resolution in sight.