Christiansted in St. Croix, Virgin Islands — The Caribbean (The West Indies)

Fort Christiansvaern

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 27, 2012

1. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Inscription.
This fort played a vital role in Christiansted’s international trade. Built at harbor’s edge to protect commercial shipping from pirates and privateers, the fort embodied colonists’ fears as well as economic strength. Here were quartered Danish troops whose primary duty was internal security…to safeguard the island against slave insurrections.

Completed in 1749, the fort was named Christiansvaern (“Christian’s Defense”) in honor of King Christian VI of Denmark-Norway. This masonry fort replaced an earlier earthwork fortification destroyed by hurricane in 1738.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.

Location. 17° 44.814′ N, 64° 42.132′ W. Marker is in Christiansted in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. It is on Hospital Street. This marker is on the grounds of the Christiansted National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Christiansted VI 00820, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles

on the Caribbean Sea,

in in the Atlantic Ocean,

in North America,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Danish Customs House (within shouting distance of this marker); Steeple Building (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Christiansted Wharf (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 12 King Street (approx. ¼ mile away); The Jacob Lindberg House (approx. half a mile away); Native American Village and Ceremonial Site (approx. 4.3 miles away); Millennium Monument (approx. 8.9 miles away); Fort Frederik (approx. 12.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Christiansted.

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 27, 2012

2. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 26, 2012

3. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 26, 2012

4. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Rooftop of the Fort

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 27, 2012

5. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 27, 2012

6. Fort Christiansvaern Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.