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Annaberg Sugar Plantation: Echoes of St. John's History

Discover the historic Annaberg Sugar Plantation in St. John: a journey into the island's past, showcasing sugar production and colonial life.

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Explore the ruins of Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a historic site on St. John, USVI, offering a glimpse into the island's sugar production era and the lives of enslaved Africans who worked the fields. The site features a windmill, factory remains, and slave quarters, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

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

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain along the trails.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the site offers limited shade.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Take your time to read the informative signs and learn about the history of the plantation and the lives of the enslaved people who worked there.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cruz Bay, drive east along North Shore Road for approximately 20 minutes. Pass Trunk Bay and continue past Maho Bay. Keep left at the junction towards Annaberg. Turn right when you reach the water, and the parking lot will be on your right. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Cruz Bay and popular beaches like Trunk Bay. Arrange for a return pickup, as taxis do not regularly pass by the plantation. A one-way taxi ride from Cruz Bay to Annaberg costs approximately $20-$30.

  • Public Transport

    Take the VITRAN bus route 108 or 109 from Cruz Bay. Check the schedule for accurate timings, as services may be infrequent. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the plantation entrance. A one-way fare is $1.

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Discover more about Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Annaberg Sugar Plantation, located on the northeastern side of St. John, is a preserved historical site that offers visitors a window into the island's past as a sugar-producing center. The plantation, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, stands as a relic of the Danish colonial era, when St. John was known as “St. Jan”. Originally established in 1721 by French refugee Isaac Constantine, the plantation was later named Annaberg (Anna's Hill) in 1758 by Dutchman Solomon Zeeger after his wife, Anna deWindt. By the early 19th century, it had become one of St. John's largest sugar producers, also manufacturing molasses and rum for export. The plantation relied on the labor of over 600 enslaved Africans who endured harsh conditions. Today, the ruins of Annaberg are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. Visitors can explore the remnants of the windmill, factory, and slave quarters, gaining insight into the complex history of sugar production and the lives of those who lived and worked there. The site also offers stunning views of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. A self-guided trail leads through the ruins, with signs providing information about the buildings and their uses. The windmill, built between 1810 and 1830, is one of the largest in the Virgin Islands.

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