Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands
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| Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands | |
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| Country | U.S. Virgin Islands |
|---|---|
| Island | Saint Croix |
| Established | 1751 |
Frederiksted is a town on the west end of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. It is home to Fort Frederik, constructed to protect the town 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.
Frederiksted is often referred to as "Freedom City" by locals. This nickname has to do with the fact that the town was the site of the emancipation of slaves in the then-Danish West Indies. The emancipation of slaves was proclaimed on July 3, 1848 at Fort Frederik on the waterfront at the northern edge of Frederiksted by Governor-General Peter von Scholten after slaves led by General Buddhoe (a slave) revolted.
Frederiksted is home to one of two deep water ports on St. Croix, the other being located at the Hovensa oil refinery. It is the main port for cruise ships visiting the island. Passengers are typically escorted from the ships to waiting taxis to bring them to the more picturesque and developed Christiansted.
[edit] History
The town was destroyed by a labor revolt (known as "The Fireburn" because arson was utilized as a means of revolt) in October 1878, which was led by four Crucian female laborers. Frederiksted was later restored during the Victorian era, as reflected in the town's architecture.
Modern Frederiksted operates at a slower pace than Christiansted, except for carnival in January and whenever cruise ships dock in Frederiksted's deepwater port. In recent years successful redevelopment efforts have begun to restore and revitalize this National Historic Site. The 2000 census population of the town was 732, and that of the larger sub-district was 3,767. [1]
[edit] Points of interest
Frederiksted maintains its original seven street by seven street city design and is host to several historic structures. Among them are St. Patrick's Catholic Church built in the 1840s and its primary school, the Customs House, the 19th Century Apothecary, and many other buildings; some which due to hurricanes past have fallen into ruins.
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