The Scale House, Christiansted
The Scale House is one of the most significant reminders of Saint Croix鈥檚 colonial trading era. Completed in 1856 on the Christiansted waterfront, it was built to replace an earlier wooden structure and served as the official site where hogsheads of sugar, puncheons of rum, and other goods were weighed before export. Positioned directly on the wharf, the building allowed Danish officials to tally and supervise cargo as it was loaded onto ships bound for Denmark, the Americas, and other parts of Europe. Imports were also inspected here, making the Scale House a vital checkpoint in the island鈥檚 maritime economy.
Constructed in the Danish colonial style, the two-story building was both practical and strategic. The first floor housed the weighmaster鈥檚 office and the massive scale, which can still be seen today, while the second floor once quartered Danish soldiers and later harbor staff. This dual function reflected the importance of controlling trade and ensuring security in one of the Caribbean鈥檚 busiest ports. Its enduring presence testifies to the central role sugar and rum played in shaping the island鈥檚 fortunes during the 19th century.
Today, the Scale House is preserved as part of the Christiansted National Historic Site and serves as the National Park Service Information Center and Visitor Bureau. Guests can explore the original scale room, browse exhibits, and gain insight into Saint Croix鈥檚 history through knowledgeable guides and interpretive displays. With its mix of colonial heritage and modern visitor resources, the Scale House offers a meaningful glimpse into the island鈥檚 past and its enduring connection to global trade.
Constructed in the Danish colonial style, the two-story building was both practical and strategic. The first floor housed the weighmaster鈥檚 office and the massive scale, which can still be seen today, while the second floor once quartered Danish soldiers and later harbor staff. This dual function reflected the importance of controlling trade and ensuring security in one of the Caribbean鈥檚 busiest ports. Its enduring presence testifies to the central role sugar and rum played in shaping the island鈥檚 fortunes during the 19th century.
Today, the Scale House is preserved as part of the Christiansted National Historic Site and serves as the National Park Service Information Center and Visitor Bureau. Guests can explore the original scale room, browse exhibits, and gain insight into Saint Croix鈥檚 history through knowledgeable guides and interpretive displays. With its mix of colonial heritage and modern visitor resources, the Scale House offers a meaningful glimpse into the island鈥檚 past and its enduring connection to global trade.
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.
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The Scale House on Map
Sight Name: The Scale 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