For over 250 years, the Danish West Indies (now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands) was under the Danish rule who participated in the transatlantic slave trade. Driven by economic motives, enslaved Africans were captured and transported to the US Virgin Islands to work on sugarcane plantations under harsh conditions and unjust treatment.

Slavery was finally abolished on July 3, 1848 as enslaved laborers fought for their freedom and revolted against the ruling power. This year marks the 175th Anniversary of their strength, resilience, and determination towards their emancipation.

As part of our contribution to understand the historical significance of this event, research was conducted using the invaluable Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database from the SlaveVoyages project. This website serves as a platform to showcase our findings and shed light on the dark legacy of slavery in the US Virgin Islands.

By sharing our discoveries, we honor the memory of those who endured the harsh realities of slavery and strive to foster a greater understanding of our collective past.