Croix is the southernmost and largest of the three U.S. John in the Caribbean Sea. Renowned among travelers for its idyllic beaches, lush rain forests for hiking, and plentiful scuba and snorkeling spots, St. Croix is a laid-back Caribbean destination boasting a wide range of activities for travelers. Though larger than its sister islands, St. Croix is less developed and offers more to explore fro
m the rainforest hills to the two small main towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Located on the northeastern side of the island is colonial Christiansted with its charming and colorful Danish architecture and the town serves as the island's main hub for local commerce. The town offers much in terms of visitors including an attractive waterfront district, many places to shop, great restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is plenty of activity on this side of the island with a beautiful harbor serving as the starting point for many tours including sailboat rides, sport fishing, and scuba and snorkeling trips. The smaller village of Frederiksted is located on the island's southwestern tip and it features the cruise ship pier and plenty of entertaining options for day trip visitors from shopping and restaurants to the very popular Cruzan Rum Distillery. From cruise ship day trippers to those looking to stay and enjoy the island, St. Croix has plenty to offer its visitors with its friendly Caribbean culture and climate. This scenic island, which spans 28 miles in length and seven miles at its widest point, is home to over 50,000 residents. The island is a U.S. territory, but wasn't always that way. The island was long-inhabited by native peoples prior to explorer Christopher Columbus discovering the island in 1493. By the 17th century, many European countries had claimed stake on the island by establishing their own settlements. Eventually Denmark purchased the island in 1733 and established colonial control over the island. In those days, the major industries relied on agriculture and mostly sugar plantations, which created products ranging from rum to molasses. The island was made up of a mix of Europeans and slaves from Africa. Croix prospered during this time of booming economy and trade. However, by the early 1800s when Britain took over and the slave trade ended, the economy took a major hit and along with natural disasters, St. Croix was no longer as lucrative as it once was. The United States purchased the three islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John in 1917 as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prohibition led to even more tough times on the island's economy halting its rum production. After World War II, Puerto Rican residents moved to the island along with other people from the United States, changing the makeup of the island's local population. In the 1960s, the economy picked up with the arrival of oil refineries, an industry that still remains successful today. The scenery on the island is peppered with historic attractions to discover such as old sugar plantations and ruins from the historic sugarcane manufacturing days. These days, the island's major industry is that of oil refinery along with tourism.
