📖 About St. Thomas

St. Thomas is the most populated and visited of the US Virgin Islands, known for Charlotte Amalie—one of the Caribbean's largest cruise ports and duty-free shopping destinations. With approximately 51,000 residents, this 32-square-mile island combines dramatic mountain scenery with bustling commercial activity and beautiful beaches like Magens Bay.

The island is the transportation hub for the US Virgin Islands, with the main airport and cruise facilities. Historic Charlotte Amalie features Danish colonial architecture and the famous 99 Steps. St. Thomas represents American Caribbean—duty-free shopping, cruise tourism, and tropical beauty under the US flag.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism dominates—nearly 2 million cruise passengers visit annually. Duty-free retail is legendary. Hotels and resorts employ thousands. Government services are significant. The economy depends almost entirely on visitors while maintaining service sector jobs for residents.

Virgin Islands culture blends Caribbean, African, and American influences—English is spoken with West Indian accent. Christianity predominates. Carnival is celebrated vibrantly. Music includes quelbe, calypso, and reggae. Food features Caribbean cuisine—conch, fungi, and fresh fish. The culture values hospitality, music, and Caribbean identity within American territory.

📜 History

Danish colonization (1672) brought sugar plantations and slavery. Charlotte Amalie developed as a major Caribbean trading port. The harbor saw pirates, traders, and later became a coaling station.

The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million. Post-war tourism developed rapidly. Today St. Thomas is the USVI's economic center—cruise port, duty-free shopping, and Caribbean vacation destination offering American convenience with island character.