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Fort
Christiansvaern, St. Croix
Fort
Christiansvaern on St. Croix was constructed circa 1749 and was partially
rebuilt in 1771 after hurricane damage. The fort
is now a national historic site, the
best preserved of the five remaining Danish-built forts in the Virgin Islands,
and houses the park's visitor center. The fort is a wonderful example of Danish
colonial military architecture.
The fort was
built to protect the colony from the onslaught of pirates, hurricanes and slave
revolts. The fort is built in a star shape around a small courtyard and includes
corner bastions and small dark dungeons. Although Danish soldiers were stationed
here until 1878, the forts cannons and guns have never been fired in an armed
conflict. After 1878 the fort served as an island courthouse and prison and also
for religious services.
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