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U.S. Virgin Islands
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The U.S. Virgin Islands is an unincorporated organized territory of the United States of America between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. It was formerly known as the Danish West Indies. Together with the British Virgin Islands, to the northeast, the territory forms the Virgin Islands archipelago. The islands natural resources are sun, sand, sea, and surf.
CitiesCharlotte Amalie - CapitalChristianstedFrederikstedCruz BayOther destinations Buck Island Reef National Monument - established to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea Christiansted National Historic Site - 5 preserved historic structures and interprets the Danish economy and way of life in existence there from 1733 to 1917 Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve - home to some of the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon Virgin Islands National Park - within its 7,000 plus acres is the complex history of civilizations - both free and enslaved - dating back more than a thousand years, all who utilized the land and the sea for survival Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - includes federal submerged lands within the 3 mile belt off of the island of St.
CitiesCharlotte Amalie - CapitalChristianstedFrederikstedCruz BayOther destinations Buck Island Reef National Monument - established to preserve one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea Christiansted National Historic Site - 5 preserved historic structures and interprets the Danish economy and way of life in existence there from 1733 to 1917 Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve - home to some of the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon Virgin Islands National Park - within its 7,000 plus acres is the complex history of civilizations - both free and enslaved - dating back more than a thousand years, all who utilized the land and the sea for survival Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - includes federal submerged lands within the 3 mile belt off of the island of St. JohnBackgroundClimateSubtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November. Has experienced several hurricanes in recent years as well as frequent and severe droughts and floods.
TerrainMostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land. There are occasional earthquakes.- Highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m
LocationIs in an important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
HistoryDuring the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.- National holiday : Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917), Emancipation Day, 3 July (1848)
From Wikitravel, the free encyclopedia
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By Editor's Choice
7 days
I don't want to experience these islands as part of a day trip aboard a cruise ship (though I do LOVE cruises). I'd rather fly into St. Thomas & then explore St. John, Water Island, and St. Croix from there.
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By Going Places user
7 days
Perfect weather...ah that amazing caribbean breeze. The ship was so much fun - I loved everything about it. The bed and pillows were the best of any hotel I've ever been in. The food was incredible, the service was great, the ship activities were well organized and the excursions were absolutely awesome. You can't go wrong with that gorgeous blue water. Would I go again? You better believe it!
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6 people reviewed U.S. Virgin Islands
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Top
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at 8:05PM August 17, 2009
So many beautiful islands!
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at 6:10AM July 22, 2008
St Croix rocks!
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at 12:26PM May 29, 2008
Dangerous, dangerous islands! Stick with the British Virgin Islands instead.
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at 10:30PM May 28, 2008
st john is amazing
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at 3:50PM May 27, 2008
I've been to Saint Croix and the temp. was wonderful, wasn't cold even at night. the water and beach is gorgeous.
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at 11:49AM May 27, 2008
St Thomas is enchanting and romantic
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