Altona Lagoon is a serene and scenic lagoon located on the eastern side of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for its tranquil waters and lush natural surroundings, the lagoon is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike who enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and birdwatching. The surrounding mangrove forests […]
Hardens Gut is a historically significant area located in the Frederiksted area of St. Croix, in the vicinity of the Ball Park, on what was once Estate La Grange. The term “Gut” refers to a ravine or watercourse, which is common terminology in the Caribbean for natural waterways that channel rainwater from the hills to
The term “Antilles” refers to a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. It encompasses both the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles, forming the principal island groups of the Caribbean region. Origin of the Word “Antilles”: The origin of the word “Antilles” is somewhat uncertain. It is believed to be derived from the
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The island of St. Croix has a rich history marked by a succession of different European powers and, eventually, its purchase by the United States. Early European Settlers In 1625, Dutch and English settlers landed at Saint Croix. They were soon joined by some French refugees from Saint Kitts. However, conflicts were inevitable. The English
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St. Croix’s earliest inhabitants—the Igneri, Caribs, and Taino – form an integral part of its cultural tapestry. While there were interactions and cultural exchanges between Arawak-speaking groups (Igneri and Taino) and Carib-speaking groups, they each had their own distinct cultures, and social structures. The Taino, dominant in the Greater Antilles, boasted sizable villages and rich
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I will start this post with a photo of The Whim grounds showcasing three out of the four types of sugar mills used on St. Croix – from left to right: Animal Mill, Wind Mill, and Steam Mill. The remains of a Water Wheel Mill can be observed at The Botanical Gardens. This photograph was
Historical Context Marronage refers to the act of escaping from slavery and establishing independent communities, often in remote and inaccessible areas. Enslaved Africans on St. Croix, as in other parts of the Caribbean, sought freedom from oppressive conditions by fleeing into the island’s interior or other less accessible regions. The rugged terrain of St. Croix,
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I felt it necessary to juxtapose how the lighthouse looked when it was first in operation with how it looks today. Sad. This shows the lighthouse, apparently in operation in 2006 but had already been deactivated in the mid 1990s. Marcus Bodio (deceased) had provided the illumination. It can be seen to already be deteriorating
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Location: 17°45’44.99″N 64°53’10.14″WEstate Northside. NA-37 Monks Bath is a feature, located in the north-west of St Croix, approximately 3.7 miles north of Frederiksted. According to one story, monks carved the pool to stay clean without using their fresh drinking water. However, others say that the pool was built in the 1950s or 60s by property owners who
The discussion began with a query regarding waterfalls on St. Croix, emphasizing the importance of defining what constitutes a waterfall. Some define it as water cascading down a steep slope (type 1), while others consider it as water free-falling (type 2). In the case of St. Croix, where the streams flow only following recent rainfall,
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