National Historic Landmark

Skytsborg

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas County, U.S. Virgin Islands
Listed
December 20, 1991
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
91001844

About this property

Blackbeard's Castle is one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is located in the city of Charlotte Amalie, on the island of St. Thomas. Erected in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower to protect the harbor as well as Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle was originally called Skytsborg (meaning protection castle). It is located at the highest point of Government Hill. Skytsborg served as a very effective vantage point for Danish soldiers to spot enemy ships. Fort Christian is at sea level, thus making it ideal for thwarting attackers with cannon fire; however, the fort itself did not provide an ideal view of incoming ships entering the harbor. It was the centerpiece of a private residence for many years, and was turned into a hotel, but is no longer open to the public.

Location

39 Donningens Gade
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas County, U.S. Virgin Islands
18.34379, -64.92964

Categories

EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENTMILITARY
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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The Land
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Geology
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Conflict & War
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The Civil War
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The Soldiers
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Native Heritage
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Settlement
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The Community
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Rivers & Rail
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Notable People
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Finds & Access
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Literature
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Nearby Historic Sites

Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Listed
0.1 mi
St. Thomas Synagogue
Industrial
0.2 mi
St. Thomas Synagogue-Beracha Veshalom Vegemiluth Hasadim
Industrial
0.2 mi
Fort Christian
Colonial
0.2 mi
Hamburg-America Shipping Line Administrative Offices
Industrial
0.2 mi

Questions about this property

When was Skytsborg listed on the National Register?

Skytsborg was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1991.

What type of historic resource is Skytsborg?

Skytsborg is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

Is Skytsborg a National Historic Landmark?

Yes. Skytsborg has been designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal recognition for historic properties in the United States.

What is the period of significance for Skytsborg?

The period of significance for Skytsborg is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Skytsborg?

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