Description
(1752 - 1920), Frederiksted, St. Croix Fort Frederik was constructed in the mid-18th century by the Danish government to protect its interests in the Caribbean and to defend the western end of Saint Croix against incursion from other European powers and from pirate raids and attacks from rival imperialist nations. It was named after Frederick V of Denmark, who purchased the Danish West Indies in 1754. Originally here was located British Fort St. James (1640's). Briefly taken by the Spanish in 1650, then controlled by the French. The present fort was completed in 1760. It was built primarily to prevent smuggling along the island's western shore. This fort claims to have given the first foreign salute to the U.S. flag in 1776. Here in July 1848 was proclaimed by the Danish governor the emancipation of all slaves in the Danish West Indies. U.S. Marines garrisoned the fort in 1917 as part of the Frederiksted Marine Barracks. The Marines transferred to Fort Christian in 1920. The fort was later used for local government offices until 1973. Opened as a historic site in 1976. Restored to the 1840's period. Admission fee.
