Estate Windsor, a historic sugar plantation and dairy farm in Queen's Quarter on St. Croix, will welcome the public on November 8 following a two-year restoration effort led by the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance.
The work has converted the neglected property into a space for heritage tourism and community use. Teams removed overgrown vegetation and accumulated waste, including old tires, to reveal structures and landscape features that had been buried. New walking trails, trees, interpretive markers and an outdoor learning center were added as part of the work.
Records indicate that sugarcane production began at Estate Windsor around 1750. A stone windmill still standing on the grounds carries an inscription dated 1756. The property later served as part of Island Dairies' farming enterprise.
The restored site now allows people to move through the grounds independently while reading about its past and ecology along the pathways. The outdoor learning center can host educational programmes and community events.
The November 8 ceremony will include activities highlighting the estate's role in the island's cultural and historical record. Those wishing to attend should reach out to the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance for specifics about the event and parking arrangements.
Funding came from a grant made during the Biden administration and processed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Trail Alliance had previously developed improved walking and cycling routes at Windsor Farm in 2022, with backing from AARP and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture.
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