Blackbeard's Castle

Skytsborg
Location Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
Coordinates 18°20′37.83″N 64°55′46.53″W / 18.3438417°N 64.9295917°W / 18.3438417; -64.9295917Coordinates: 18°20′37.83″N 64°55′46.53″W / 18.3438417°N 64.9295917°W / 18.3438417; -64.9295917
Built 1679
Architect Unknown
Architectural style Other
NRHP reference # 91001844 [1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP December 20, 1991
Designated NHL October 12, 1994[2]

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. Built 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 on 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.

The Three Queens Fountain at Blackbeard's honors the 1878 Fireburn rebellion organizers: Queens Mary, Agnes, and Mathilda

It is not known what year Skytsborg took on the name of Blackbeard's Castle, but the infamous Edward Teach, commonly known as Blackbeard, did sail the Caribbean waters in the early 18th century. It has become part of the lore of the island that he used the tower as a lookout for his own purposes of piracy. 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.

See also

References

  1. ↑ National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ↑ "Skytsborg (Blackbeard's Castle)". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
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