Fort Frederik

Fort Frederik

Fort Frederik
Location North of junction of Lagoon Road and King Street, Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands
Coordinates 17°42′54.92″N 64°53′.43″W / 17.7152556°N 64.8834528°W / 17.7152556; -64.8834528Coordinates: 17°42′54.92″N 64°53′.43″W / 17.7152556°N 64.8834528°W / 17.7152556; -64.8834528
Area 2 acres (8,100 m2)[1]
Built 1752
Architectural style Colonial, Other
Part of Frederiksted Historic District (#76001853)
NRHP Reference # 96001073 (NRHP)
97001269 (NHL)
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 8, 1996[2]
Designated NHL September 25, 1997[3]
Designated CP August 9, 1976

Fort Frederik, also known as Frederiksfort, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark in Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands. It was built between 1752 and 1760 by Denmark-Norway to defend the economic interests of the natural deep water port of Frederiksted and to ward off pirates. It has red and white painted walls, making it quite different then yellow and white of Fort Christiansværn on the other side of the island. It is located at the north end of Frederiksted, in St. Croix, south of the junction of Mahogany Road and VI 631. It should not be confused with Frederiks Fort, Fortberg Hill, on St. John, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1776, the first salute from foreign soil to the new nation of the United States of America was fired from the fort. The salute of Old Glory which had been raised on an American brigantine at port in Frederiksted was a violation of the laws of Denmark-Norway's neutrality however the islands had helped the British colonist in America sealing a friendliness between the two colonies, and the salute was therefore appropriate. It is from this fort that Danish Governor Peter Von Scholten emancipated the slaves on July 3rd, 1848. The fort includes a museum and art gallery, it is open weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm. Admission is $3 (2015).

Fort Frederik was listed as a contributing property in the Frederiksted Historic District in 1976. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.[1] It was further declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997.[1][3]

Fort Frederik now stands guard over the Eliza James-McBean Clock Tower and Emancipation Park, a town park right in front of the Frederiksted fort and waterfront. The park contains statues of historically important Virgin Islanders. Small paths weave through dozens of large mahogany trees and fragrant flowers. This Federiksted park honors the slave revolt leader General Buddhoe and also serves to recall and honor the 1848 proclamation by Governor Peter von Scholten that emancipated slaves in the Danish islands. The park has many benches and a small gazebo and is the location for Jazz in the Park, every 3rd Friday of the month (2014).

Images

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mark R. Barnes (June 19, 1996). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Fort Frederik (U.S. Virgin Islands / Frederiksfort" (pdf). National Park Service.
  2. ↑ National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  3. 1 2 "Fort Frederik". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
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