Danish West Indies

The Danish West Indies were a group of Caribbean islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—that Denmark controlled from the 18th century until 1917. These islands were valuable for their strategic location and resources, especially sugar plantations operated by enslaved Africans. In 1917, Denmark sold them to the United States, which renamed them the U.S. Virgin Islands. Today, the islands are U.S. territories, known for their tourism, natural beauty, and diverse culture. The Danish West Indies played a significant role in Caribbean trade history and reflect a period of European colonial influence in the region.