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Annaberg Sugar Plantation: A Window into St. John's History

Step back in time at Annaberg Sugar Plantation, explore the ruins, and learn about St. John's colonial history and sugar production era.

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Explore the ruins of Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a historic site on St. John, US Virgin Islands, offering a glimpse into the island's Danish colonial past and the sugar production era. Wander through the remains of the windmill, factory, and slave quarters, while learning about the lives of those who lived and worked here.

A brief summary to Annaberg Sugar Plantation

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the trail to the ruins can be steep and rocky.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as there is limited shade.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on the Leinster Bay Trail for views of Waterlemon Cay.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, take North Shore Road (Route 20) east towards Maho Bay. Continue past Maho Bay, where the road turns inland. At the intersection with Leinster Bay Road, turn right towards the shoreline. Follow the road to the end, where you'll find the parking lot for Annaberg Sugar Plantation. There is no fee to park. The road is paved and well-maintained.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't a direct public bus to Annaberg, you can take a taxi from Cruz Bay to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a one-way trip. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Alternatively, some tour operators offer transportation to Annaberg as part of their tour packages.

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Discover more about Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Annaberg Sugar Plantation, located within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, is a preserved relic of the island's Danish colonial period and the 18th and 19th-century sugar boom. The plantation, one of the largest sugar producers on St. John, also produced molasses and rum for export. Visitors can explore the partially restored ruins of the sugar factory, including the windmill, which is the largest in the Virgin Islands, the factory where the sugarcane juice was processed, and the remains of slave quarters. Signboards along the trails provide insights into the history of sugar production, plantation life, and the stories of the enslaved Africans who labored there. The site offers panoramic views of Leinster Bay, the Narrows, and the British Virgin Islands. Originally established in 1721 by French refugee Isaac Constantine, the plantation was later named Annaberg (Anna's Hill) in 1758 by Solomon Zeeger after his wife, Anna deWindt. At its peak, Annaberg was part of a network of plantations owned by James Murphy, encompassing a significant portion of St. John's north shore. The end of slavery and the rise of the European sugar beet industry led to the plantation's decline. The National Park Service acquired the land in 1956, uncovering and stabilizing the ruins for public visitation.

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