On the Northern shore of St. John in the US Virgin Islands sits the most complete representation of the painful history of St. John’s sugar producing era. Annaberg Plantation was the largest sugar, rum and molasses producer on island.
The stark contrast is unsettling of sweeping vistas of turquoise bays and surrounding islands creating a stunning backdrop to a dark and savage time in history. Africans captured as slaves and brought to the Caribbean were forced to work St. John’s mountainous terrain growing and processing sugar cane for export to Europe. The idyllic ruins of the plantation almost make you forget the atrocities that occurred years ago as the beauty of the place is overwhelming. One must stop for a moment to imagine the reality of being brutalized and tortured all while being surrounded by one of natures finest displays.
As you stand before the slave quarters that overlook the passage between Mary’s Point and Tortola, you can’t help but imagine what must have been running through their heads. Were plans of escape constantly forming in their minds? One can’t help but ponder those years of patient planning that lead to the revolt in 1733?
Annaberg is not to be missed when visiting St. John. The Virgin Islands National Park hosts activities and demonstrations throughout the year at Annaberg but the historical site is always available to visitors.
Lucy Remington For St. John Ultimate Villas