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Photo: self, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The only place in the present-day United States where Christopher Columbus (or at least a landing party under his command) actually set foot. During his visit, it also became the site of the first documented conflict between Europeans and Native Americans
Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve is a unit of the National Park Service on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It preserves upland watersheds, mangrove forests, and estuarine and marine environments that support threatened and endangered species. It also contains the Columbus Landing Site, a National Historic Landmark that is the only known site where members of a Columbus expedition set foot on what is now United States territory. The site is marked by Fort Salé, a remaining earthworks fortification from the French period of occupation, about 1617. The park also preserves prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites including the only existing example of a ball court in the US Virgin Islands.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The site consists of seven acres centered on the Christiansted waterfront, or wharf area. On the grounds are five historic structures: Fort Christiansvaern (1738), the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse (1749), the Steeple Building (1753), Danish Custom House (1844), and the Scale House (1856). Alexander Hamilton also lived here before moving to New York.
Well-preserved Danish yellow brick fort from the late 1700s. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Closed on Federal holidays.
Year round. Information is available at the National Park Service visitor contact station at Fort Christianvaern in downtown Christiansted. Walking trails through frangipani trees, organ pipe cactus, and underwater trails for snorkeling. Picnic areas. Five concessionaires offer trips to Buck Island form St. Croix under permits. There is no overnight camping on the island; the park is closed from sunset to sunrise to protect nesting sea turtles that come ashore at night. Anchorage is available overnight to boaters within the designated area. A permit is required to anchor within the designated area.