Charlotte Amalie
| Official name | Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Type | Capital city |
| Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Saint Thomas | |
| State | U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1666 |
| Population | ~18,500 |
| Area (km²) | 12.5 |
| Time zone | Atlantic (AST, UTC−4) |
| ZIP code(s) | 00801–00804 |
| Area code(s) | 340 |
Charlotte Amalie is the capital and largest city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, located on the island of Saint Thomas in the Caribbean Sea. Renowned for its stunning harbor, colonial architecture, and vibrant shopping scene, the city is a major cruise ship port and cultural hub in the territory.
Overview
- Named after Queen Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, wife of Denmark’s King Christian V
- Lies on the southern coast of Saint Thomas, facing the Caribbean Sea
- Functions as the seat of the territorial government and the commercial center of the Virgin Islands
History
- Settled by the Danish in the mid-1600s and originally called Taphus (meaning “beer house”)
- Became an important free port under Danish rule, drawing merchants from around the world
- Transferred to the United States in 1917 as part of the Danish West Indies purchase
- Historic buildings and fortifications from the Danish colonial era still stand
Landmarks and Attractions
- Fort Christian – oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, built in 1671
- 99 Steps – historic staircase built by the Danes in the 1700s
- Emancipation Garden – commemorating the end of slavery in the Danish West Indies
- Skyride to Paradise Point, local beaches, and nearby national parks
Culture
- Known for its mix of Afro-Caribbean, Danish, and American influences
- Hosts Carnival celebrations, food festivals, and music events
- Famous for duty-free shopping, attracting tourists from cruise ships
Government and Services
- Hosts the Virgin Islands Legislature, Supreme Court, and Governor’s Office
- Central to the administration of territorial affairs
Transportation
- Served by Cyril E. King Airport just west of the city
- Ferries to Saint John and the British Virgin Islands operate regularly
- Traffic drives on the left side — a rare feature in U.S. jurisdictions
Fun Facts
- One of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean
- Charlotte Amalie has no incorporated municipal government — it's directly managed as part of the territorial system
- Home to one of the few synagogues in the Caribbean (Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim)