Legends & Lore of St Thomas Walking Tour
Take a facinating walking tour through the heart of Charlotte Amalie and learn about the legends and lore of St. Thomas.
You will be given a solid summary of local history in the most profound and colorful way possible. Topics include Columbus' discovery and naming of the Virgins in 1493, the near-extermination of native Indians by the Spanish, the development of African-sourced slavery, the brutal use of slave labor in sugar production, the heyday of piracy and much more.
Among sites visited are the oldest active synagogue under continuous use under the American flag, and two of the oldest Protestant congregations in the Americas, the waterfront, Fort Christian and Emancipation Garden, where the slaves were formally freed in 1848.
This walk pulls no punches! It is a great introduction to the islands and their often painful past. The route is only moderately hilly, and ends just where the shops begin.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- The Jewish synagogue is closed on Sundays.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring bottled water (tour does stop to purchase water if needed).
- Sun screen and ponchos are provided when the need arises.
- Total walking distance is 1 mile.
- This tour is not suitable for guests who are in wheelchairs or have a breathing machine due to the heat and the distance of walking.
- This tour usually only operates in the morning due to the lower temperature.
