St Croix : A Brief History
St Croix has been inhabited by various indigenous groups. Christopher Columbus arrived on the island on November 14, 1493 and was attacked by the Ay Ay or Caribs who lived at Salt River. St Croix has been owned by various countries, including Spain, Netherlands, Knights of Malta, and Great Britain before it became a possession of France.
In 1733, France sold the island to the Danish West India Company.
For nearly 200 years, the islands were known as the Danish West Indies.
St. Croix was sold to the United States by Denmark in 1916 for $25 million in gold.
The United States considered the island a strategic point for World War I.The island’s inhabitants became American citizens in 1927.
Today, St Croix is a thriving tourist destination.
Climate and Weather
“Sun is shining, the weather is sweet..”
Sunny St Croix enjoys year-round daytime temperatures in the 80’s.
Most nights are above 70 degrees year round.
There is very little temperature fluctuation from summer to winter.
Trade winds blow along the length of the island, east to west.
The West End of the island receives a good deal more rain than the East End and is considered a sub-tropical rain-forest; annual rainfall is extremely variable, averaging perhaps forty inches a year.
The East End is hot and dry with cactus and agave plentiful, while the West End has lush vegetation,palm and fruit trees, giving the island multiple ecosystems in a small area.
Driving on St Croix
Life in the Left Lane
Although we are a U.S. territory, we drive on the left side of the road!
To rent a car on St. Croix, you have to be at least 25 years old, have a valid drivers license and proof of insurance.
While there is no law against open containers, it IS illegal to drive while intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
Seat belts are required and cell phone use without an earpiece is prohibited.