St Thomas

St Thomas

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands is located on St. Thomas Island. The fierce Carib Indians originally inhabited the island, and today it is home to a melting pot of people from virtually every race, nationality and religion of the world. The oldest structure on St. Thomas is the 17th century Danish Fort Christian, built by the Danes to protect the city from pirates. St Thomas lies about 75 miles east of Puerto Rico and 40 miles north of St Croix. Thirteen miles long and less than 3 miles wide, with an area of 32 square miles and population of 51,000, St Thomas rises out of the sea to a range of hills. The highest peak, Crown Mountain, is 1,550 feet, but on St Peter Mountain, 1,500 feet, is the viewpoint of Mountain Top. Various scenic roads can be driven, such as Skyline Drive (Route 40), from which both sides of the island can be seen simultaneously. This road continues west as St Peter Mountain Road, with a detour to Hull Bay on the north coast. Route 35, Mafolie Road, leaves the capital, Charlotte Amalie, heading north to cross the Skyline Drive and becomes Magens Bay Road, descending to this beautiful bay and beach. It should be said that much of the island has seen great development, especially on the eastern side.