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Let's take a trip back in time and celebrate the rich history of St. Thomas on July 3! This Caribbean island has a long and fascinating past, from being inhabited by indigenous tribes to being colonized by various European powers. Today, St. Thomas is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture. But on this special day, we can also appreciate the unique heritage and traditions that have shaped this tropical paradise into what it is today. Let's dive into the history of St. Thomas and discover all the amazing things that make it such a beloved destination.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>600</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indigenous Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first inhabitants, the Ciboney Indians, start to settle on St. Thomas around 600 AD.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1493</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Columbus' Second Voyage</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christopher Columbus, during his second voyage to the New World, encounters the island of St. Thomas, which was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib Indians.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1657</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dutch West India Company</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Danish West India Company settles on St. Thomas, beginning a long period of Danish colonization.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1666</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First European Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Charlotte Amalie, the first permanent European settlement and modern-day capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is established on St. Thomas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pirate Activity</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Thomas becomes a hotbed of pirate activity during the 17th and early 18th centuries, with of the famous pirate Blackbeard allegedly using the island as a base.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Acquisition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States purchases St. Thomas, along with the rest of the Danish West Indies, for $25 million in gold, due to its strategic location in the Caribbean Sea.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a historical walking tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the rich history of St. Thomas by going on a walking tour of the city. You can learn about the various landmarks and significant events that have shaped the city into what it is today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself in the history of St. Thomas by visiting a local museum. You'll be able to see artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city's past and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a reenactment event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience St. Thomas' history come to life by attending a reenactment event. These events often feature actors dressed in period costumes portraying significant moments in the city's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate St. Thomas' history than by trying some of its traditional cuisine? Look for local restaurants that serve dishes that have been passed down through generations and savor the flavors of the past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a historical lecture or workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge of St. Thomas' history by attending a historical lecture or workshop. You'll have the opportunity to learn from experts and engage in discussions about various aspects of the city's past.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps us understand our roots</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Thomas is a rich and diverse island with a long and complex history. By learning about its past, you can better understand how the island has evolved over time and how it has shaped its present culture and society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It teaches us valuable lessons</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Thomas' history is full of triumphs, struggles, and important moments that can teach us valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and cultural understanding. Through studying its past, we can gain insight and inspiration for our own lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'> It preserves important heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By educating ourselves on St. Thomas' history, we are helping to preserve its unique cultural heritage. This allows future generations to continue learning and appreciating the island's traditions, customs, and practices.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fort Christian is the Oldest Standing Structure</h3><p class='facts-content'>Built between 1672 and 1680, Fort Christian represents the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has served as a governor’s residence, church, police station, and now, a museum.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Agriculture thrived due to Slave Labor</h3><p class='facts-content'>The 18th century saw a boom in the island's agriculture industry, especially in sugarcane cultivation. This was largely due to the forced labor of enslaved Africans brought by European colonizers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fireburn labor riot of 1878</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the most significant events in the history of St. Thomas was the Fireburn labor riot. The worker's revolt took place on October 1, 1878, and marked an important turning point towards more equitable labor laws.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Thomas was a neutral port during wars</h3><p class='facts-content'>During numerous wars and conflicts, St. Thomas maintained its status as a neutral port. This allowed it to prosper as a hub of international trade and commerce.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Home to One of the World's Oldest Synagogues</h3><p class='facts-content'>St. Thomas is home to the Hebrew Congregation, built in 1833, which contains one of the oldest synagogue buildings in continuous use under the American flag, showcasing the island's diversity of faiths throughout history.</p></div></div>
St Thomas History is celebrated on July 3 every year. In 2024 St Thomas History will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jul 3
Monday
2024
Jul 3
Wednesday
2025
Jul 3
Thursday
2026
Jul 3
Friday
2027
Jul 3
Saturday
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