The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold during World War I.
How did the Virgin Islands become a U.S. territory?
The U.S. Virgin Islands became a U.S. territory in 1917 when America bought Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix from Denmark.
Under the Treaty of the Danish West Indies, the U.S. grabbed the islands for military reasons during World War I. The treaty gave islanders U.S. citizenship, though they could keep Danish passports if they wanted. That transfer made the islands an official (but not fully incorporated) U.S. territory.
Why did the US buy the Virgin Islands?
The U.S. bought the Virgin Islands mostly to beef up its military position during World War I.
Sitting about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the islands gave America a key foothold in the Caribbean. The government worried Germany might grab them, even though Denmark stayed neutral. The $25 million deal closed in gold coins on March 31, 1917—just weeks before the U.S. jumped into the war.
When did the USVI become a U.S. territory?
The U.S. Virgin Islands officially became a U.S. territory on March 31, 1917, the day Denmark handed over control.
| Territory | Previous Sovereign | Transfer Date | Capital |
|---|
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Denmark | March 31, 1917 | Charlotte Amalie |
That handover happened at a ceremony in St. Thomas, ending nearly 250 years of Danish rule.
Who owns the Virgin Islands now?
The United States still owns the Virgin Islands today, running them as an organized but unincorporated territory.
Locals are U.S. citizens by birth and live under most federal laws. The islands handle their own local matters but rely on the U.S. for defense and some federal services. The territory covers St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, plus a handful of smaller islands.
Is it expensive to live in the Virgin Islands?
Absolutely—living in the U.S. Virgin Islands costs way more than the mainland.
By 2026, expect to pay around $2,000 a month for an apartment. A typical two-bedroom house starts at $285,000. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare run high because most goods arrive by barge. Wages don’t always match those costs, so many residents feel the pinch.
Are the U.S. Virgin Islands safe?
They’re generally safe for visitors, but petty crime happens.
Violent crime rates sit higher than in many states, especially in tourist hubs like Charlotte Amalie and Frederiksted. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and car break-ins aren’t rare. Police urge locking valuables up, avoiding empty streets at night, and using hotel safes. Stick to busy areas and stay alert.
Who owned the Virgin Islands before the US?
Denmark ruled the Virgin Islands before America did, calling them the Danish West Indies.
Denmark grabbed St. Thomas in 1672, St. John in 1684, and bought St. Croix from France in 1733. For nearly 250 years, the islands ran on sugar plantations and enslaved labor. You can still see Danish architecture and traditions today.
Do I need a passport to go to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
U.S. citizens can skip the passport—a government photo ID like a driver’s license is enough.
Since the islands are a U.S. territory, mainland travelers just need ID. Non-citizens still need passports and possibly visas. Always double-check U.S. State Department rules before you book.
Does the US own Puerto Rico?
Yes—Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898, after the Spanish-American War.
Over a century later, islanders are U.S. citizens by birth. Puerto Rico sends a non-voting representative to Congress, and debates over statehood or independence still rage. The political status question never really goes away.
What was the US called before 1776?
Before 1776, the area was the Thirteen Colonies, a cluster of British territories along North America’s east coast.
Those colonies declared independence in 1776, forming the United States. Each colony—Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and others—had its own government and economy built around farming and trade.
Which is better: St. Croix or St. Thomas?
Pick St. Thomas for budget trips and nightlife; choose St. Croix for families and nature.
| Feature | St. Thomas | St. Croix |
|---|
| Best for | Beach lovers, shoppers, partygoers | Families, divers, hikers |
| Nightlife | Lively bars and restaurants | More laid-back, local vibe |
| Diving | Solid reefs, but not top-tier | NOAA-ranked sites like Buck Island |
| Hiking | Few trails | Rainforest hikes and more |
St. Thomas packs in shopping, resorts, and easy island-hopping. St. Croix offers quieter beaches, protected marine parks, and historic spots like Fort Christian.
What does the U.S. Virgin Islands export?
The islands mostly ship out petroleum products like light distillates and motor fuel.
In 2020, light petroleum distillates topped the list at $351 million, followed by motor vehicle spirits at $217 million. Other exports include boats, engine parts, and jewelry. Small factories turn out rum and textiles, but tourism and imports drive the economy.
What language do they speak in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
English is the official language and the one most people speak.
Schools, government, and business all run in English. Yet the islands’ mixed heritage means you’ll also hear French Creole (from some African-descendant communities) and Spanish (common among immigrant groups, especially on St. Thomas). Roughly 90–95% of residents can read.
Does the US own the Virgin Islands?
Yes—the United States owns and runs the Virgin Islands as an organized, unincorporated territory.
The territory includes St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and a few smaller islands. It’s not a state, but it has its own constitution and elects a governor. Islanders are U.S. citizens and can travel freely to the mainland. The federal government handles defense, foreign policy, and some social programs.
What’s the drinking age in the Virgin Islands?
You can legally drink at 18 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
That’s three years younger than the mainland’s 21. Bars, restaurants, and stores sell alcohol, but they must check IDs for anyone who looks young. The lower age reflects local culture and tourism needs, though cops still crack down on public drunkenness and underage drinking.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
