Today in History: U.S. Virgin Islands

The harbor, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands

Today in History–March 31–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Virgin Islands. On this date in 1917, the United States took formal possession of the Danish West Indies, renaming them the Virgin Islands. The U.S. purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million because of their strategic location near the Panama Canal. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about these beautiful Caribbean islands.

U.S. Took Ownership of the Virgin Islands from America’s Library

U.S. Virgin Islands primary source set World Digital Library

U.S. Virgin Islands image set

U.S. Virgin Islands legislation

Danish West Indies historical newspaper coverage 1836-1916

Virgin Islands historical newspaper coverage 1917

Virgin Islands historical newspaper coverage after 1918

Guide to Law Online: U.S. Virgin Islands (An Unincorporated U.S. Territory)

Worst. Birthday. Ever. Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, United States Territories In Custodia Legis blog November 13, 2017

Collection Spotlight: Children’s Songs from the Virgin Islands Folklife Today blog