Fort Christiansvaern, Company Street vicinity, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI

Significance: The plan of the fort is typical of a four-pointed citadel of the 17th and early 18th centuries. It consists of four one-story curtain walls built around a near square court, projecting bastions in each corner and a ravelin protecting the entry to the fort. In spite of many additions and alterations, Fort Christiansvaern still preserves its original layout and much of its 18th century character. Of the five preserved Danish forts in the West Indies and the Western Hemisphere it is the most characteristic of its period. Although much of the present fabric of the structure dates from its founding period, its original finishes and building fittings have been largely obliterated by continuous maintenance and repair. It contains, however, some 18th century and a great deal of early 19th century building details, hardware, fittings, etc.
Survey number: HABS VI-5
Building/structure dates: 1738- ca. 1749 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1836 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1837 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1839 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1841 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: ca. 1935 Subsequent Work