The US Virgin Islands are an unincorporated US territory that consists of four larger islands located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea - St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island. It is the only US territory with coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. About 75% of everyone who lives there are descendants from Africa. The rest of the population are immigrants from Puerto Rico, North America, The Dominican Republic, Europe, the Middle East, India, and other countries. When you visit, you will find it is the only place in the US where you are asked to drive on the left side of the road. At the US Virgin Islands, March 31st is a day of festive celebrations honoring the transfer from Danish to American control. This day is known as "Transfer Day". The capital of the US Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie. It is located on St. Thomas and is the largest town of this territory. The official flower is the Ginger Thomas, White Cedar is the official tree, and the Bananaquit, or Sugar Bird, is the official bird of the US Virgin Islands.
The first recorded peoples who settled the Territory around 300-400 BC were the Ciboney Indians. Next, around 100 BC, the Arawak Indians settled there. They inhabited the islands until they were displaced by the Carib in the 15th century. In 1493, Christopher Columbus was the first European to see the Virgin Islands. He named it "Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins". The Spanish said they settled the territory, even though they didn't. From 1508 - 1647, other Europeans visited and explored the islands. The first permanent settlements were organized by Dutch privateer Joost van Dyk. In 1666, Dutch settlers were driven out by British "pirates and brigands". England took control in 1672, and slave labor became a main part of the economy. By 1756, there were 6,121 slaves. The slaves revolted, and by August 1st, 1834, trading slaves was abolished for good. Today, the US Virgin Islands is mostly made up of African, European, Asian, and Latin descent, and the majority of the people are descendants of enslaved Africans. It is a diverse territory with a wonderful mix of ethnicities and backgrounds. Anyone born there is a US citizen. It has become a very popular place for elderly people to retire.
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