Description - Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve was created in 1992. The area was set aside to preserve and interpret the archeology of the area, which encompasses all major cultural periods in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is the only known site where members of the Columbus expedition set foot on what is now U.S. territory. The park contains the only ceremonial prehistoric ball court ever discovered in the Lesser Antilles, village middens, and burial grounds. The area was a focal point of various European attempts to colonize the area during the post-Columbian period by the Spaniards, French, Dutch, English, and Danish. The site is marked by Fort Sale, a remaining earthworks fortification from the Dutch period of occupation.
Attractions
- Salt River Bay is a living museum on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a dynamic, tropical ecosystem with Prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites and ruins. It is home to some of the largest mangrove forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon. Experience the beauty, sanctity and spirit of this place.
Recreation - Salt River Bay offers visitors a variety of ways to explore the area. Ask your lodging hosts for information about guided land tours. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours can be arranged too. You may want to contact the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism at 340-773-0495 or St. Croix Chamber of Commerce at 340-733-1435 for more information.
Climate - The Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. The average daily high is about 89 degrees with the average daily low being about 75 degrees for the summer. The rainfall is greater in the hills than on the coast. September and November see more rainfall than the driest months which are February and March. Location -
The park is five miles from Christiansted National Historical Park and can be reached by car via Rt. 75 from Christiansted, connecting to Route 80. Cars may be rented at the airport and various other island locations. Ask your lodging hosts for information about guided land tours.
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