St. Croix National heritage area (NHA)

 Designated in 2023, St. Croix National Heritage Area is the first NHA located in a US Territory. St Croix promotes traditions, customs, beliefs of folklife in the island. The island’s history is made up of multiple cultures, contributing to the country’s traditions that continue to this day. The area can conserve natural, cultural, historic, and scenic characteristics that are important to St. Croix and Nation’s heritage.

St. Croix is the largest of the three Virgin Islands, connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island is rich in biodiversity. The four major industries—manufacturing (including tourism, rum exports, and watch assembly)—remain important drivers of the St. Croix economy. The area balances tourism and environmental sustainability in the area. St. Croix has a mixture of traditions, customs, and folklife that reflect the island's history and beliefs. Although the official language of St. Croix is English, Spanish and French are often heard on the island. This reflects the island's early history, with its first inhabitants coming from South and Central America and later Europeans bringing enslaved Africans from West Africa. This heritage is evident in their food, such as kallaloo, which is enjoyed at many local events and festivals. One unique tradition that continues is the practice of herbal medicine by West Indian Weed Men and Women, developed among Africans living in slavery during the plantation era. This tradition continues today, and Weed Men and Women are sometimes known as herbalists or bush doctors. Folklife culture in St. Croix is passed down from generation to generation, highlighting the importance of history and storytelling. Another cultural tradition that is not as prevalent today is the art of furniture making from the magnificent Mahogany trees of St. Croix. Fine crafted West Indian Mahogany furniture with a unique blending of European and African designs were made by enslaved Africans or indentured African servants working on the plantations or in cabinet shops. Today these furniture pieces are highly sort after for their enduring legacy and fine craftsmanship. (Data Source: NPS.gov)

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument
2. Christiansted National Historic Site
3. Christiansted National Historic District
4. Estate Diamond/Cruzan Rum Factory
5. Estate Little Princess/The Nature Conservancy
6. Estate Mt. Washington
7. Estate Whim Plantation Museum
8. Fort Frederik National Historic Landmark Site
9. Frederiksted National Historic District
10. Friedensthal Moravian Mission Site and Other Churches
11. Government House
12. Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge
13. Lawaetz Family Museum at Estate Little La Grange
14. Maroon Ridge
15. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve / Columbus Landing Site
16. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
17. Southgate Coastal Reserve
18. St. Croix East End Marine Park
19. St. George Village Botanical Garden / Estate St. George National Historic District

Notable People:

1. Christopher Columbus
2. Queen Mary
3. Boddhoe and David Hamiliton Jackson
4. Alexander Hamilton
5. Peter Bentzon
6. Tim Duncan