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Whenever we have an opportunity to support our local community and our neighbors, we are there. Our fellow islanders share this mindset and show up for the things that keep our home and its history rich and memorable for all to enjoy. With that, our team took advantage of an excellent opportunity to explore the historic district in St. Thomas Historic with an incredible guide and fascinating speakers. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos and videos from an unforgettable day.
1. Step Streets Restoration Project
As part of a fundraiser, the St. Thomas Historical Trust hosts historic tours of the step streets. Our team visited historic downtown, but in a different way than we normally would. We learned so much about the original architecture and the city planning. If you take a stroll in this part of downtown, you’ll notice the narrow streets that connect the larger paved roads. When Danish architects drew the roads of the city, they did not consider the typography of the landscape, so what were originally planned as roads turned into step streets. If you cast your eye over the land, you can see how every third house there is a step street connecting the hillside homes to the shopping and waterfront below.
These steps are now destination spots for tourists and are among some of the most prominently traveled places on St. Thomas. The most well known and photographed of the step streets are the 99 steps. You can still see and appreciate the quintessential character of the Danish architecture and the characteristic bricks that are unique to our island home. However, the once sturdy brick is now overgrown in some locations and needs some tender love and care. Our tour guide Anna Monica was a wealth of information and if you have a chance to tour with her–take it, it will be an experience like none other. Schedule a tour or donate to help revive this most historic area of the US Virgin Islands.
2. Black Beard’s Castle
Our step street tour included a number of historic buildings throughout town including Black Beard’s Castle. Be sure to take the stairs up to the top of the turret, where the 360 ocean views are breathtaking. On the pool deck, you’ll come across life-size statues of some famous scallywags. Known as “The Williamsburg of the Caribbean” the five acres below are home to several of St. Thomas’ National Landmark Properties and historic homes dating back to the late 1600s. These homes have a rich history with the world’s most exquisite collection of hand-made West Indian Mahogany furniture. If your time is limited or you’re trying to enjoy multiple must-see locations at once we highly recommend this tour.
3. Crown House
The next stop on our day trip was the Crown House. This home was once the home of the first Danish governor. Its beginnings span back to the 1780s. Over the years, the home has been occupied by many government officials and was last renovated in the 1980s. The home is currently undergoing another restoration, assisted in part by our team at Lagnappe. It was wonderful to see the tour attendees enjoying the space, although incomplete at that time. We can’t wait to reveal the final result!
4. The Mary Anne
We stopped at a new little bed and breakfast called The Mary Anne. Their lovely pool deck looks west, so you can really see so much of the town and see many of the streets and understand how they are important connectors in the community. From the perspective of our guide, Anna Monica, and Phillip Sterm, the stories of this historic area come alive—each one illustrating how the city’s architecture connects neighbors and strengthens the fabric of community. As you walk along those streets, it’s easy to imagine life in earlier days. At the beautifully restored Mary Anne, the owners have done a remarkable job preserving its historic charm. We were fortunate to tour one of the BNB’s six thoughtfully appointed rooms, and if you’re seeking an authentic stay rooted in character, we can’t recommend it enough.
5. Thomas Reform Church
We also paid a visit to the St. Thomas Reform Church and heard the most inspirational speech on the resilience of the Virgin Island people. Tales of fire and the island’s historical events, and how those have helped shape the culture and strength of its people. Taking a moment to appreciate and feel the influence of such an impactful history just makes being a part of this community even more humbling and empowering at the same time.
6. 1829 Hotel
We wrapped up our day of explorations with a visit to the 1829 hotel. This exquisite escape to old St. Thomas is where I’ve shared many happy memories. With a rich history of hospitality and a guest list that spans from Hollywood stars to world leaders, it’s no wonder visitors come from faraway places. Constructed in 1829 by Alexander Lavalette, the hotel still stands as one of the best preservations of early 19th-century urban architecture. We received a personal tour from one of the new owners. They have done a lovely job of outfitting the rooms in a way that feels authentic, with vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces. We even sampled a signature drink at the hotel bar to end our afternoon walk. I look forward to returning for their weekly domino night in the future!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our version of a guided tour through some of the historic neighborhoods of Saint Thomas. If you find yourself on St. Thomas for a vacation, please take an afternoon to dive into the history and architecture of the island and its people. We all have our favorite places here, and the memories that are tied to them. We encourage you to make some of your own memories at any of these iconic local places.
