1-2 Hours
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Virgin Islands National Park
Take a self-guided tour of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and immerse yourself in the time when "Sugar was King" on the island. Volunteer docents are often available during weekdays to answer questions. You are invited to tour the small country garden and learn about traditional uses of plants with Mr. Charles most weekdays,
Located along the north shore of this stunning 21 square mile island, the remnants of the Annaberg Plantation stand as a reminder of a time when “sugar was king.” The plantation tells a complex history of the violent displacement of Indigenous people, European settlement, and the enslavement of Africans. This 18th to 19th-century plantation is a relic of the Danish colonial era of Virgin Islands history, a time when St. John carried the Danish spelling “St. Jan” and the 19th century sugar boom was in full swing. Over 600 enslaved Africans worked this plantation under brutal conditions. As you traverse this historic trail, imagine sugar being processed from cane and sense the spirits of the people who lived, worked, and died here. The Annaberg Plantation is a monument to human resilience, one that asks us to think about the legacies of injustice that were seeded on the plantation and encourages us to recognize and repair historical wrongs.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - WalkingAfrican American HeritageRuinsArchitecture and BuildingBurial, Cemetery and GravesiteEngineeringEnslavementFarming and AgriculturePlantationsIndustryFactoriesMillsScenic ViewsTrailsVIISPlantationthings to doSelf-guided Tourself guided walkwindmillenslavement
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Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Duration Details
The beauty of the setting is an invitation to walk at leisure and be immersed in the stories of the realities of early plantation times and reflection on the difficult history of the lives of the 600 enslaved Africans whose work and purpose at Annaberg did not include enjoying the views and natural beauty of the site.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
The trail from the parking lot to the historic district is fairly steep and rocky. The grade exceeds wheelchair safety standards. Once among the buildings, the trail is relatively flat and easy to walk.
Pets
Yes — Service dogs are allowed in Virgin Islands National Park and leashed dogs are allowed on trails. Title 36 part 2 section 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations provides the rules on dogs. * Pets are not allowed on beaches. 36CFR 2.15(a)(1) (This rule is in place to protect nesting sea turtles, shore birds and our visitors on the beach.) * Pets must be on leash no longer than 6' while in the Park. 36CFR 2.15 (a)(2) * Pets can not be left unattended and tied to an object. 36CFR 2.15 (a)(3) * Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste appropriately. 36CFR 2.15 (a)(5) To report any dog issues call 1-866-995-8467.
Reservations
Yes
Location
Annaberg Sugar Plantation