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Points of InterestMost visible among the museums is the impressive Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, administered by the National Park Service, where you'll learn about the island's military past. Frederiksted is home to historically significant Fort Frederik, administered by the local government. It is the site of the first salute to a U.S. vessel in 1776; here, also, in 1848, the slaves were given their freedom. Across from Fort Christiansvaern, the Steeple Building, dating from 1753, was the island's first Lutheran church. It holds varied and excellent National Park Service mini-exhibits-of Indian artifacts, of the town's distinctive architecture, a display about Alexander Hamilton, who spent his early youth here, a history of the building itself, information about the early free black population, as well as the Moravian missionaries. A pint-sized new museum in Christiansted's Apothecary Hall shows the original old pharmacy. It is administered by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the leading force in preservation of the island's cultural and architectural heritage. The Society has also recently taken over the management of the Lawaetz Family Museum at Little La Grange, a charming old Danish West Indian plantation great house and grounds north of Frederiksted, now open to the public. The Landmarks Society's most prominent showcase is Estate Whim Plantation Museum near Frederiksted, one of the island's star attractions. In its handsome 18th century great house, we can envision the lifestyle of the sugar planters who once brought great wealth to St. Croix. We also learn about the hardships of the workers and their significant contributions. A self-guided tour covers the structures of the plantation, including a refurbished old windmill. Ruins of almost 150 of these windmills dot the island. At the St. George Village Botanical Garden you will find a 17-acre park built over a pre-Columbian Indian settlement and the ruins of a 19th century sugar plantation displays a wealth of colorful, tropical flora. A rain forest walk and a cactus garden are among the attractions. Gift shop and nursery. Open daily 9a.m. to 5p.m., closed on Federal holidays. Admission $5 adults, $1 children. Visit the Cruzan rum Factory for a tour of the distillery and learn how our famous island rum is made. A Cruzan rum drink is included. Guided tours (about 20 minutes) Mon. thru Fri. 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:15p.m. Shorts or slacks suggested attire. Small admission charge. For details call 692-2280. It is well worth your time to see the St. Croix Leap, a unique woodworking shop in the rainforest north of Frederiksted. Observe island mahogany and other locally grown wood being transformed into utilitarian and decorative items by skilled woodworkers and apprentices in this educational project. At the St. Croix Aquarium, you will see an informative and fascinating display of tropical fish and more. It is located in Caravelle Arcade in the heart of Christiansted. Open Tues. - Sat. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. later on Thursdays. Small admission charge includes a guided tour. Gift shop. Call 773-8995 for details. On Queen Street is the Market Place. Where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold early in the morning, just as they have been for more than 200 years. Estate Butler Bay at 52 Estate Whim, St. Croix, is a luxurious private residence for over two centuries, and one of the most magnificent colonial homes in the Caribbean. They are now welcoming visitors. Expertly guided tours of the well-furnished great house, fascinating sugar factory and worker's village are offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on days when cruise ships are in port, or to groups of 15 or more by special appointment. Special functions and off-season rentals can also be arranged. |
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