USVI Purchases 2,469 Acres of Historic Land on St. Croix

M.A, Dworkin

St. Croix - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announced at the Monday Press Briefing at Government House St Croix, they have completed one of the largest land acquisitions in Territorial history, securing 2,469 acres at Maroon Ridge and Annaly Bay on St. Croix.

The $17.5 million purchase, finalized August 15, 2025, was funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Inflation Reduction Act. The newly acquired property will expand the Territorial Parks System and be managed by DPNR’s Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas.

Maroon Ridge lies in the northwest of St. Croix. Africans who escaped enslavement on the island took refuge in the secluded hills of Maroon Ridge. Since they were continually pursued by militia, they were unable to settle down in any one area. They were referred to as Maroons, which is how the hill got its name. Today, there are still modern day Maroons living in the hills of Maroon Ridge.

Christian Oldendorp, a Danish missionary who visited St. Croix in 1767 gave this account of Maronberg, a community of escaped slaves, known as Maroons, in the northwest mountain ranges of the island. 

“For a long time now, a large number of escaped slaves have established themselves on lofty Maroon Hill in the mountains toward the west end of the island of St. Croix…They are there protected by the impenetrable bush and by their own wariness,” wrote Mr. Oldendrop.

Instrumental in the purchase of the land was University of the Virgin Islands Professor and local activist Olasee Davis. Mr. Davis, who gives tours of the historic area, waged a decades-long campaign to create an official heritage sanctuary to protect Maronberg.

“The northwest, or Maroon Country, is threatened by indiscriminate development that would forever change the historic landscape, culturally, historically, naturally, and archaeologically while destroying the pristine marine wilderness area,” Mr. Davis wrote  as he waged his campaign. “It was the last refuge of enslaved Africans fighting for their freedom in the Danish era.”

In his petition that he circulated to win the governmental powers over to his way of thinking, Mr. Davis stated: “The Maroon Territorial Park will honor the heroic spirit of enslaved Africans who affirmed their freedom and human dignity by flight, struggle, and the creation of independent communities.”

Governor Bryan’s words at the Press Briefing echoed those of Mr. Davis.

“This investment is about conservation and about honoring the struggles of those who came before us,” said Governor Bryan. “It ensures that future generations of Virgin Islanders will have access to lands that tell our story, reflect our heritage and strengthen our pride.” 

DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriel said “The acquisition shows the Governor’s commitment to protecting the Territory’s environment. Governor Bryan made expansion of our parks system a priority, and this purchase delivers on that vision. This is proof of what can be achieved when federal partners, local government and community advocates work together.”

Kristina “Kitty” Edwards, Director of the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas said, “The acquisition fulfills decades of advocacy. Virgin Islanders fought for years to see these lands protected. Today is a victory for them and for everyone who values our natural and cultural heritage.”

Melissa Hill, USVI and Florida Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land (TPL), said “The partnership with the Bryan Administration and NOAA was key to finalizing the purchase. TPL is proud to have worked alongside the Administration to ensure this extraordinary property is preserved as a Territorial Park.”

The acquisition was made under the guidance of Legislative Act 8608, which directs the government to identify and conserve historically and culturally significant sites. Officials said it sets a precedent for large-scale land preservation and underscores the Bryan Administration’s commitment to conservation, culture and public access. 

 All Clear for Schools to Open onTuesday

During the second half of the Press Briefing the Governor spoke about the bomb threat and racial slurs that were issued via social media that caused the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to take the cautionary measure of closing down schools on St. Croix. 

“It was a reckless act that disrupted the lives of students, parents, educators and administrators…Let me be clear, there is no place in our community for threats that endanger our children or undermine their education, and we will pursue every avenue to hold accountable the individual or individuals responsible for this disruption,” the Governor stated in no uncertain terms.

After a thorough investigation of all properties, it was determined the schools were safe to reopen.

The Governor concluded the Press Briefing by reiterating his strong opposition to the Legislature’s decision to raise government wages to a minimum of $35.00 per hour. He stands by the facts which he has presented that conclude it will not only be unaffordable from a budgetary standpoint but will have a cascading effect by initiating demands by unions and other government employees to equalize their pay to the new standards.