Located just 4 miles east of St. John, the Virgin Islands are the easternmost extension of the Greater Antilles, and are often included in discussions about the Lesser Antilles due to their size and proximity. The Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, as well as 50 other smaller islands and cays. The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km).
The capital of the territory is Charlotte Amalie, on the island of St. Thomas. The islands were named Saint Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins by Christopher Columbus in 1493, in honor of the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins. The name was later shortened to Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands were originally inhabited by Cyboney and Arawaks, and some scholars think that the islands were inhabited from 1000 BC. C. The Caribs arrived in the middle of the 15th century AD. At the closest point, between Great Thatch Island and St. John, a distance of only half a mile separates the British from the Americans.
St. Croix is 28 miles long, 84 square miles in area and is located about 40 miles south of the other islands. Thomas, 32 square miles in area, is the site of the territory's capital, Charlotte Amalie. John has an area of 20 square miles, making it the smallest and least populated in the U.
S. UU. In fact, more than half of the island is dedicated to the Virgin Islands National Park. The highest point is Mount Sage in Tortola, which is 1710 feet (521 meters) high. Around 50 islands and cays make up the U.
Only three are important; several are uninhabited. As plantations were no longer as profitable, Danish settlers began to abandon their properties, which caused a significant drop in the population and in the economy in general. When the continental United States is in standard time, the U. The Virgin Islands are one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When the continental United States is in daylight saving time, Eastern Daylight Time is the same as Atlantic Standard Time. The National Park Service manages more than half of St.
John, most of Hassel Island and many acres of coral reefs. Although it is a public airport, Henry E. Rohlsen Airport has served aircraft from the United States Air Force, as well as the United States Army. Many residents can trace their ancestry to other Caribbean islands, especially Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. The territory is largely of Afro-Caribbean origin.
English has been the predominant language since 1917 when the islands were transferred from Denmark to the United States. The University of the Virgin Islands offers higher education that leads to associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, with campuses in St. Thomas and St. Croix. In cricket, inhabitants of the Virgin Islands can compete internationally as part of West Indies team. The last resident of Virgin Islands to be included in West Indies team is Hayden Walsh Jr.
In Caribbean regional competitions, inhabitants of Virgin Islands compete in List A and first-class cricket as part of Leeward Islands cricket team. Currently, Virgin Islands are not represented in Caribbean Twenty20 leagues. There are also men's and women's national soccer teams. Thomas, known as 'the shopping capital of Caribbean', attracts hundreds of thousands visitors each year to buy duty-free products. However it's relaxed lifestyle, smiles from ear to ear and joy from people that make this island a must-see for travelers who love culture and experiences. Try island's favorite dishes such as fish & mushrooms, callaloo stew, rice with snails, pâtés (tasty handmade pastries) & silly bread at local restaurant. You'll find locals eager to recommend best places to eat, shop & explore as well as introducing you to trusted friends who will show you island as just an island off St. Thomas. St Thomas is home to Fort Christian built in 1680 & second oldest synagogue in Western Hemisphere as well as childhood home of French-Danish impressionist painter Camille Pissarro.
Our island also known for diving, golf courses dreamy beaches & spectacular nightlife. As a territory of United States travel to Virgin Islands requires valid passport & proof citizenship such as birth certificate or naturalization certificate but no visa required for US citizens. So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience with stunning beaches & unique culture then look no further than St Thomas Virgin Islands!.
