The bricks we encounter in this region, whether as residents or visitors, serve a multitude of purposes, adorning walls, walkways, gutters, storm drains, and even sugar windmills. These bricks exhibit a vibrant array of hues ranging from light yellow to deep red. Their prevalence in the area can be traced back to the historical sea trade with Denmark during the era when “Sugar is King,” where they were initially utilized as ballast.
Denmark engaged in extensive trade with the Caribbean through the Danish West Indian Guinea Company. They transported various commodities like rye, barley, wheat, beer, furniture, and machinery to St. Croix. However, the trade imbalance resulted in the return shipment predominantly consisting of sugar, rum, and molasses. To properly balance the ships for their return journey, ballast bricks were loaded and later offloaded upon reaching St. Croix to accommodate the incoming goods. While commonly referred to as ballast bricks, they originate from two locations and are known as Flensburg bricks or Frederiksholm bricks.
Frederiksholm bricks were produced by Frederiksholm Teglværk, a renowned Danish brickworks established in 1871. The brickworks was located on the island of Amager, near Copenhagen, and was operational for over a century before closing in 1918.
Frederiksholm bricks are known for their high quality, durability, and unique reddish-yellow color, which became popular for construction in Copenhagen and other parts of Denmark. The bricks were used in various prominent buildings and structures, giving them a characteristic Danish architectural style. Their fine craftsmanship made them a preferred choice for many public buildings, churches, and residential houses.
Flensburg bricks are a specific type of brick produced in and around the city of Flensburg, located in northern Germany near the Danish border. These bricks have a long history of use, dating back several centuries, and are renowned for their distinctive dark, reddish-brown color, as well as their exceptional durability and quality. These bricks are highly resistant to weathering and wear, which made them an ideal choice for building where moisture and wind are frequent. Flensburg bricks were widely used in historic buildings, including churches, manor houses, and other significant structures throughout northern Germany and Denmark.
Today, Flensburg bricks are still used for restoration projects or new buildings designed to reflect the historic aesthetic of the region. Their association with durable, quality construction continues to make them a sought-after material for preserving northern German and Danish architectural heritage.
Until 1747, the Danish West Indian Guinea Company held a monopoly on all trade activities between Denmark and the West Indies. The bustling port of Flensburg served as a key hub for one of the largest Danish trading fleets, nestled in the picturesque Flensburg Fjord. Situated in Schleswig-Holstein, Flensburg stands as Germany’s northernmost city, located just under 10km from the Danish border. The city shares its scenic fjord with Denmark and was under Danish rule from 1460 to 1864.
Frederiksholm bricks are evident at Fort Christiansvaern, the bricks were produced in Frederiksholm, a region within central Copenhagen.
