Danish Custom House, Christiansted
The Old Danish Customs House is one of the town鈥檚 most photographed landmarks, its bright yellow fa莽ade standing out on the lawn in front of Fort Christiansvaern. Constructed between 1840 and 1842, the building was the third stop in a local chain of commerce. After merchants weighed their goods at the Scale House on the waterfront, they would continue here to pay taxes before their cargo could be cleared. In this way, the Customs House played a vital role in the island鈥檚 colonial trade network, serving as the official gatekeeper of Saint Croix鈥檚 commerce.
Architecturally, the Customs House reflects both European neoclassical design and the practical adjustments needed for life in the Caribbean. Its grand 鈥渨elcoming arms鈥� staircase sweeps up to the second floor, a striking feature that gives the building a sense of elegance and authority. At the same time, the addition of louvered windows and sturdy hurricane shutters demonstrates how Danish builders adapted their style to withstand the tropical climate and seasonal storms.
Over the years, the Customs House has been more than a tax office. It later housed the island鈥檚 post office and, from 1927 to 1972, served as the first public library in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the Christiansted National Historic Site, now serving as the headquarters of the National Park Service. Visitors strolling past the fort and the waterfront can admire not only its beauty but also its long record of civic and cultural service.
For travelers, the Customs House is more than just another historic building-it is a quiet yet significant symbol of Christiansted鈥檚 layered past. Standing before it, one can easily imagine the flow of merchants, sailors, and townspeople who once passed through its doors, shaping the island鈥檚 history with every transaction.
Architecturally, the Customs House reflects both European neoclassical design and the practical adjustments needed for life in the Caribbean. Its grand 鈥渨elcoming arms鈥� staircase sweeps up to the second floor, a striking feature that gives the building a sense of elegance and authority. At the same time, the addition of louvered windows and sturdy hurricane shutters demonstrates how Danish builders adapted their style to withstand the tropical climate and seasonal storms.
Over the years, the Customs House has been more than a tax office. It later housed the island鈥檚 post office and, from 1927 to 1972, served as the first public library in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the Christiansted National Historic Site, now serving as the headquarters of the National Park Service. Visitors strolling past the fort and the waterfront can admire not only its beauty but also its long record of civic and cultural service.
For travelers, the Customs House is more than just another historic building-it is a quiet yet significant symbol of Christiansted鈥檚 layered past. Standing before it, one can easily imagine the flow of merchants, sailors, and townspeople who once passed through its doors, shaping the island鈥檚 history with every transaction.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Christiansted. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Danish Custom House on Map
Sight Name: Danish Custom House
Sight Location: Christiansted, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Christiansted)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Christiansted, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Christiansted)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Christiansted, US Virgin Island
Create Your Own Walk in Christiansted
Creating your own self-guided walk in Christiansted is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Christiansted Introduction Walking Tour
Christiansted, the charming historic town on the northern coast of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a vibrant destination full of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Visitors are immediately drawn to its Danish colonial architecture, colorful facades, and cobblestone streets, which give the town a unique old-world charm. Christiansted National Historic Site protects several notable... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles