USVI-On-Line

We are going to St.John next week (yeah!)

We are bringing the kids, my daughter just got assigned a project on pirates.

Anyone know any history or places to go re. pirates? We have been to St. John a bunch- all I can think of is the possible treasure in Norman Island caves and hangings at Gallows Point.

Any other stuff that might be interesting?

Blackbeard's and Bluebeard's hills on St. Thomas are both named for their respective pirates. There is a little museum open now I think in the old tower at Blackbeard's. Don't know if you will get a chance to stop there but may be worth it.

http://www.blackbeardscastle.com/

Not sure if that is an official site or not. There is definitely a lot more pirate history - someone must have some St. John pirate facts.

Stop by the National Park Service shop at the NPS dock. I am almost certain that they have books on the pirate history that are child-appropriate. I was in there browsing for gifts for my niece and nephew, and I think I recall seeing pirate books. I was focused on sea life stuff, so there's a chance I am wrong, but even if I am wrong, it's still a neat place to stop in to.

There's a public library on STJ. They might have some local pirate history stuff for you.

Given that there's a Privateer Bay on the East End, your daughter could research the difference between a Pirate and a Privateer and talk about that history too.

I also recall an interview the BB boys did at their On St. John site with Capt. (John?) Brandi. In it I think he mentioned that in the way-back days, ships heading for Europe would pass through "over there" and the pirates were waiting to catch them, hence the name....somethingorother I can't remember. If you can find that interview it might give you a jumping off point for some more research.

Jost Van Dyke was named after a Dutch privateer. You could go have a few painkillers at Foxy's and call it "research"!

What cool timing to get that project right before your trip!

I highly reccomend Blackbeards in St. Thomas . We were there in August and it was the highlight of my 9 yr old sons trip. I think it is $ 12.00 tour . It includes 3 historical bulding and homes. Oh and the gift shop has free rum punch and I must say it is the best rum punch I have ever had. 99 steps is there also. If you have any specific questions I would be glad to answer if I can .