Founded after the Danish purchased St. Croix in 1733, Christiansted became a key port in the notorious “Triangle Trade” of the 18th century.

Ships sailed from Europe to the West Coast of Africa to trade manufactured goods for human cargo. Those that survived the perilous “Middle Passage” across the Atlantic were auctioned in the Scale House at Christiansted. The ships were then reloaded with rum, molasses, sugar, cotton, and wood, which returned heady profits from markets in America and Europe.

The economics of the era provided the gentry of Christiansted with an exceptionally high standard of living. You can experience the history and lifestyle of the time at the Christiansted National Historic Site.

In addition to the Scale House, the waterfront site includes Fort Christiansvaern, the Steeple Building, the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, and the Danish Custom House. A self-guided tour takes you through the Fort, the Scale House, and the Steeple Building, as well as interpretive exhibits scattered throughout the grounds.

Did You Know? 

Alexander Hamilton, who would become the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, worked in the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse as a teenager.

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