Charlotte Amalie has received the American World War II Heritage City designation from the National Park Service, acknowledging St. Thomas' importance to Allied operations and the contributions made by Virgin Islanders during the conflict.
The award recognizes how the island protected shipping lanes vital to the Allies, backed military campaigns across the Caribbean region, and maintained records of its wartime past. Jessica Bowron, comptroller exercising the authority of the National Park Service director, stated that the designation "ensures that the contributions of this community and its people will continue to be remembered and appreciated by generations to come".
Key military facilities
During World War II, St. Thomas became a hub for US Navy operations. The Navy built a submarine base at Little Krum Bay and operated aerial patrol stations at both Bourne Field and Lindbergh Bay to track German submarines. The island also hosted a naval hospital, a signals facility at Fort Christian, barracks for Marines and defensive positions on Water Island and Hassel Island.
The harbor at Charlotte Amalie supplied fuel, maintenance and logistical support to military vessels. These bases proved essential to guarding supply lines moving through the Caribbean toward the Panama Canal.
How islanders participated
Virgin Islanders served in multiple ways during the war. Hundreds joined the US Armed Forces, while others worked as civilians building and running military sites. Workers from nearby Caribbean islands also travelled to St. Thomas to help construct and maintain the installations.
On the home front, residents organized war bond campaigns, collected scrap metal for munitions production and gathered supplies. They also accepted wartime hardships such as food rationing and mandatory blackouts as part of civil defence.
Keeping history alive
Preservation efforts today include work by the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office to document and safeguard former military sites, particularly the submarine base and harbour structures. The St. Thomas Historical Trust runs educational talks and guided visits focused on the island's wartime role.
The Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial in Roosevelt Park and Veterans Drive stand as tributes to those who served. Each year, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Transfer Day events, supported by local veterans' groups and history organizations, ensure that the story of St. Thomas during World War II remains part of the island's identity.
The American World War II Heritage City program, created by law in March 2019 and run by the National Park Service, allows the Interior Secretary to grant the honour to one municipality per state and territory. As of 2020, the program has recognized communities across 46 states and two territories.
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