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Fort Christianvaern Research Paper

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Fort Christiansvaern was created by the Danish in the year 1738 in efforts to protect commerce throughout the territory from piracy and privateers and also to protect the local citizens from slave revolts. It was established in Christiansted after an earlier French fort was destroyed by a hurricane and named after King Christian VI. It was occupied by the British from 1801 – 1803 and then again from 1807-1815. In 1878 it was then used to house the police headquarters, court offices, courthouse, and archives. Soldiers were replaced by armed civil officers in 1906 who then remained there until transfer day when the United States purchased the territory from Denmark in 1917. The United States used the territory as a strategic military base to …show more content…

These buildings provide us insight into what life was like more than 100 years into the past. We can see for ourselves the way buildings were constructed back then, how the prison system was set up, building materials of the past vs the materials we use today. We can learn so much about past decades from studying these buildings and the history that comes with them. In order to know where we’re going we first have to know where we came from. These historic buildings also show us the hard times that our ancestors endured and how hard they fought for the freedom we have today. We have come thus far and the 100-year celebration of transfer is to show for it. Keeping these historic buildings renovated and standing for years to come will help remind Virgin Islanders like myself how far the Virgin Islands have come. It will also help share the history of the islands to the upcoming youth and foreigners that visit the island frequently. Our VI history is essential in the journey of success for the Virgin Islands and its empowerment. These historic buildings are the foundation of it all. The fort is also open for tours for the public to get a up close and personal look at the islands

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