Things to See in St. John: Annaberg Plantation
Whether you are newlyweds on your honeymoon or on a family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are plenty of things to see in St. John. Among the many popular tourist sites, Annaberg Plantation is a favorite.
What is Annaberg Plantation?
As of 1780, Annaberg Plantation was one of 25 working sugar-producing factories on St. John. Annaberg also produced rum and molasses. Slave labor was used to clear the dense forested hillsides and to terrace the slops to make farming possible. In addition to clearing trees, slaves also planted, harvested and processed sugarcane on the plantation.
After slavery was abolished, the 518 acres that housed the thriving sugar plantation was divided into smaller farms. Now the city is appreciated for the ruins and history that still prospers.
How is the plantation today?
Today, the plantation ruins are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. With trails leading through the factory ruins, windmill, slave quarters and other remains, the plantation makes an interesting and educational day trip. In addition, the signs and placards along the trails describe how the sugar was produced. This helps visitors gain insight on the plantation life in Annaberg and on St. John as well.
Another of the many things to see in St. John are the thirty-four foot wide, twenty foot tall windmill at Annaberg. For many years, it was one of the largest windmills on the islands. So if you’re a history lover, we highly recommend touring Annaberg. It will be a true treat that you’ll never forget, and you might even learn something too!
If you’re interested in the history and want to visit the Annaberg Plantation on your stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, consider staying at a hotel or resort in St. John, so you’re close to the action.