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Blackbeard's castle is a unique St. Thomas attraction
virgin-islands-hotels.com
Blackbeard's castle
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While the beaches and natural surroundings are what bring most people to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are historical monuments among the many St Thomas attractions. The castle, which is hundreds of years old, is one of five national historical landmarks on the island. It is atop the famous 99 steps, which is a scenic stone stairway made from stones from Danish ships during the Colonial era.
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Blackbeard was a real pirate
Blackbeard was a real pirate. His real name was Edward Teach and he was a dreaded character in the Caribbean in his time. He may or may not have had anything to do with the actual castle, but it does make for a good story and it bears his name anyway.
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The Castle
The castle is a round stone tower also known as Skytsborg Tower. It was built by Danish soldiers in 1679 to guard harbor settlements against people like Blackbeard, as well as those from other colonial nations. From there you can see most of the island, and an awe inspiring view of the greenery and ocean.
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Reopening
A family has been keeping the area preserved, and it includes a few other historic buildings. Beginning in December, 2015, the castle and other buildings will be open for self guided tours. Some of the buildings go back eight centuries and there is a botanical garden included among the St Thomas attractions.
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Conclusion.
Blackbeard's castle is a bed and breakfast, and it offers a glimpse into the history of the island before there were cruise ships and all inclusive beach resorts. The bay itself provided defense, but the tower that bears Blackbeard's name, allowed them to see much further, and prepare for any ships that might be attacking ahead of time.
