The Frederiksted Historic District
The Frederiksted Historic District symbolizes 200 years of western St. Croix's political history. Fort Frederik, constructed by the Danes to protect them from pirates, was the focal point of the town plan. Building codes resulted in the characteristic low buildings, with overhanging galleries supported by arched arcades on slender wood posts.
By 1800, the town's population included dock and warehouse workers, white and free-African craftsmen, house servants, merchants, planters and government officials. In 1878, plantation workers dissatisfied with low wages, set fire to much of the town. The burnt-out area was immediately rebuilt, with many of the buildings incorporating popular Victorian architectural detailing. Important buildings in the district include the fort, the Customs House, the Victoria Home (one of the most elaborately detailed buildings in the Virgin Islands) and St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, built in 1848. The Benjamin House, at 48 Queen Street, is a fine example of early 19th century Danish residential design. Many other buildings exist including churches and government buildings. You can walk through Frederiksted on a historical tour with a guide, this is the recommended way to learn and appreciate the small town, or you can walk around by yourself. Small shops and restaurants are also located within the mix of historically important buildings.
Frederiksted isn't as safe as Christiansted, and anywhere off the main strip should be avoided altogether during the evening. For example, don't walk to Rainbow beach after dinner and drinks in town. Try to stay in the grid of 7 blocks from the Fort (north to south) to the library, and 5 blocks east to west--the safest areas.
Walking Tour of Frederiksted, St. Croix
Vendors set up across the street from walkway Turn to your right after leaving pier for a walkway stroll
Your tour of Frederiksted begins after you leave the the cruise ship pier gate and enter the newly revitalized waterfront. Here recent restorations include neat walkways and benches tucked among trees and flowering plants.
Turn left after leaving the pier gate to go to the fort and beach...past more vendor tents!
(1) The Frederiksted waterfront is home to Sunset Jazz concerts, held the third Friday of the month from 5:30 to 8 p.m.. Admission is free to the public. The waterfront Strand Street and King Street, located one block inland, are the main shopping and restaurant areas.
(2) The Oscar E. Henry Customs House was built in the 1800's.
Cruise passengers are welcomed in front of the Custom House with reggae music
There are many historical buildings in Frederiksted that have been converted into offices and stores. The one photographed here is the Customs House on the Frederiksted Waterfront. The customs house is an elegant eighteenth century building. Outside there is a bust of Moses Gottlieb, also known as General Buddhoe, who was instrumental in the island's emancipation efforts.
(3) Emancipation Park
The area right in front of the Frederiksted Fort and waterfront has been made into a beautiful town park.
It contains statues of historically important Virgin Islanders. Small paths weave through dozens of large Mahogany trees and fragrant flowers. This pleasant Frederiksted park honors the slave revolt leader General Buddhoe and also serves to recall and honor the 1848 proclamation by Governor Peter von Scholten who emancipated slaves in the Danish islands. The park has many benches and a small gazebo.
Fort and beach off in distance from ship balcony Fort Frederik
(4) Fort Frederik Fort Frederik, the large rust-colored building next to the pier was built to ward off pirates in 1760 and is a National Historic Landmark. Inside, there's an art gallery and museum (Open: Monday–Friday 8.30 a.m.– 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). It's an excellent place to visit and learn about the importance of the U.S.V.I. in world history. It was from this fort that Danish Governor Peter Von Scholten emancipated the slaves on July 3, 1848. There is a small admission charge.
(5) Fort Frederik Beach, a public beach with showers and bathrooms is next to the Fort.
The Beach is just past the old fort The Fort Frederik Beach
(6)
The
Market Place, an open-air bazaar
is still in use today, as it was in 1751
at
the founding of Frederiksted.
There are ATMs at the Scotiabank and First Bank locations on Strand Street. After hours, swipe your card at the door to get inside.
(7) Frederiksted is home to a number of historic churches, including St. Paul's Anglican Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Friedensberg Moravian Church, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church, located on the corner of Market and Prince Streets. Notable is the different styles of architecture due to fires, hurricanes, and the historical revolts.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church St. Paul's Anglican Church
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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Friedensthal Moravian Church
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church -- Built in 1848, this unique church combines different architectural styles. The three-story brick bell tower is in the Gothic revival style using limestone and yellow bricks, while the gabled ends of the transept and nave are built in the Spanish mission style. A high masonry wall encloses the church and cemetery which is fascinating with above-and below-ground caskets dating to the 1700s.
St Paul's Episcopal Anglican Church -- Built in 1812, this neoclassic Danish colonial structure is noted for its English Gothic bell tower.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church -- Built in 1791 in a classic Georgian style with a tower cupola, this is the oldest church in Frederiksted. The church has suffered several fires but still retains an appearance similar to the way it originally looked. Visitors are welcome at Sunday services. There is no admission charge.
Friedensthal "Valley of Peace" Moravian Church and Manse -- This mission church was founded by Moravian brethren in the 1750s to minister to enslaved Africans, conveying useful skills as well as salvation. The parish house - or manse - was built in the 1830s as both a school and dwelling.
(8) The newly restored Old Danish School on Hospital Street and Market Street is a handsome building.
(9) In a historic light blue building down a block is the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts.
(10)
After severe damage during a labor insurrection in 1878,
the
town was rebuilt in Victorian style. The elaborately detailed Victoria House is a
good example of Victorian architecture. Unfortunately, most of this now
private house was destroyed in the 1878 fire and had to be rebuilt. Today,
the extraordinary Blue Moon Jazz Club and Restaurant occupies the first
floor. Victoria House on Strand Street and
Apothecary Hall on King Cross Street between King and Queen Streets preserve
the Frederiksted architecture of that time.
(11) At
Strand and Queen Cross Streets is the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library,
built in 1803.
This home at the
south end of Strand Street houses is Frederiksted's small library and a fine
example of Victorian architecture. The Bell family (previous owners) once
added bells to the ornamental staircase to represent their children giving
the building its nickname.
