Charlotte Amalie Map

Description: This map shows streets, trails, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, hotels, monuments, museums, parking lots, churches, points of interest, and parks in City Center Charlotte Amalie.

Description: This map shows streets, roads, buildings, hotels, monuments, museums, parking lots, churches, and parks in Charlotte Amalie.

Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the United States Virgin Islands. Located on the island of Saint Thomas, it serves as the territorial capital and is the main port and commercial center of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The city is situated on the southern shore of Saint Thomas and is known for its deep-water harbor, which has historically made it an important Caribbean port.

History

The settlement was established by the Danish West India Company in 1666. Initially known as Taphus (meaning "beer house" in Danish), the town was renamed Charlotte Amalie in 1691 in honor of Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, the consort of King Christian V of Denmark. Under Danish rule, the town became a prosperous center of trade and commerce, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries when it served as a free port. The strategic location and natural harbor attracted merchants from around the world.

The United States purchased the Danish West Indies, including Saint Thomas and Charlotte Amalie, in 1917 for $25 million. This acquisition was motivated by strategic concerns during World War I and the desire to prevent potential German naval bases in the Caribbean.

Geography and Climate

Charlotte Amalie is built on hillsides that rise from the harbor, creating a distinctive terraced appearance. The harbor, known as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, provides natural protection for vessels and has been crucial to the city's development. The city experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from September to November.

Economy

Tourism forms the backbone of Charlotte Amalie's economy. The city is a major cruise ship destination, with the West Indian Company Dock and Crown Bay Marina serving thousands of cruise passengers annually. The harbor can accommodate multiple large cruise vessels simultaneously. Duty-free shopping is a significant attraction, with Main Street and its surrounding areas featuring numerous jewelry stores, electronics shops, and boutiques. The absence of sales tax on most goods makes the city a popular shopping destination for tourists.

The port also handles cargo operations and serves as a hub for inter-island transportation. Government services, as the territorial capital, provide additional employment.

Architecture and Landmarks

The historic district of Charlotte Amalie contains numerous buildings from the Danish colonial period, characterized by their distinctive red-roofed, pastel-colored structures. Fort Christian, completed in 1680, is the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands and now serves as a museum. Blackbeard's Castle, a stone watchtower built in 1679, offers panoramic views of the harbor.

Emancipation Garden, located in the heart of the city, commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies on July 3, 1848. The Legislature Building, constructed in 1874 as a Danish police barracks, now houses the territorial legislature. The Government House, built in 1867, serves as the office of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands and features neoclassical architecture.

The 99 Steps, one of several historic stairways in the city, was constructed from ballast bricks brought by sailing ships. The Frederick Lutheran Church, established in 1666, is one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in the Western Hemisphere.

Demographics and Culture

The population of Charlotte Amalie is predominantly of African Caribbean descent, reflecting the legacy of the plantation era. English is the official language, though many residents also speak Creole. The city celebrates various cultural events throughout the year, including Carnival, which takes place in April and features parades, music, and traditional foods.

Transportation

Cyril E. King Airport, located west of the city, serves as the main airport for Saint Thomas and provides connections to the U.S. mainland and other Caribbean destinations. Within the city, open-air taxis known as "safaris" provide public transportation, along with conventional taxis. The Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal provides ferry services to neighboring islands, including Saint John and the British Virgin Islands.

Education

The University of the Virgin Islands has a campus in Charlotte Amalie, offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Several public and private schools serve the city's student population, operating under the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Main sights in Charlotte Amalie