Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands facts for kids
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Nickname: Small City
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 Water Island
Location in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Water Island
Location in Caribbean
Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands
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| Geography | |
| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°19′11″N 64°57′12″W / 18.31972°N 64.95333°W |
| Archipelago | Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands |
| Area | 1.989 km2 (0.768 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Insular area | United States Virgin Islands |
| District | Saint Thomas |
| Sub-district | Water Island |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Water Islander |
| Population | 182 (2010) |
| Pop. density | 91.50 /km2 (236.98 /sq mi) |
Water Island is a small island in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the United States Virgin Islands, which is a territory of the United States. This means it is governed by the U.S. but is not a state.
Water Island is a beautiful place with a history of volcanoes. It is located south of Saint Thomas, near the Charlotte Amalie harbor. You can get to Water Island by a short 10-minute ferry ride from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas.
The island is about 1.989 square kilometers (491.5 acres) in size. It is mostly a residential island, meaning people live there. About 182 people called Water Island home in 2010. There are not many big shops or businesses on the island. However, some homes are available for visitors to rent.
Water Island is known for its lovely beaches, like Honeymoon Beach. It also has old plantation ruins and Fort Segarra, an underground fort built during World War II. Another cool spot is Supermarket Reef in Limestone Bay, which is great for scuba diving. Part of the island, called Sprat Bay Estates, is a private community. But remember, all beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands are open to the public if you reach them from the water!
Contents
Island History: Who Lived Here?
The first people to live on Water Island were the Taíno people. They settled there in the 15th century.
Europeans later named the island "Water Island" because it had natural freshwater ponds. Many islands in the Lesser Antilles did not have fresh water. So, Water Island became a popular stop for pirates to refill their ships' water supplies.
Ownership Changes Over Time
Denmark claimed Water Island as early as 1769. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, free Black and mixed-race people owned parts of the island. They grew cotton and raised animals.
In 1905, a Danish company called the East Asiatic Company bought the island. The U.S. government thought this company might be a secret way for Germany to gain a foothold in the area.
The U.S. bought most of the Danish West Indies from Denmark in 1917. However, Water Island was not included in that sale. The U.S. finally bought Water Island on June 19, 1944, for $10,000. This was done to help protect the submarine base on Saint Thomas during World War II.
Water Island After World War II
From 1944 to 1950, the United States Department of Defense managed Water Island. Construction on Fort Segarra began in 1944 but was never finished.
From 1948 to 1950, the United States Army used parts of Water Island for testing. After these tests, the island was given to the United States Department of the Interior. It was then mostly leased out to people who wanted to live there.
On December 12, 1996, control of Water Island was officially given to the local government of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This transfer cost $25,000,000. This was the same amount the U.S. paid for all the other U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917!
In the late 1990s, the government started transferring land to people who had been living on the island for a long time. In 2005, there were plans to build more homes on Water Island. This would help with the housing shortage on Saint Thomas.
The Water Island Civic Association (WICA) was started in the 1960s. This group helps improve life on Water Island. They work with the local government to protect the island's environment. Residents also volunteer to keep the beaches clean.
Explore Water Island's Features
Honeymoon Beach: A Perfect Spot
One of the most popular places on Water Island is Honeymoon Beach. It is located in Druif Bay on the west side of the island.
Years ago, Honeymoon Beach was not much of a beach. It was rocky and covered with plants. In the early 1950s, a man named Walter Phillips worked to transform it. Trees and bushes were removed, and many truckloads of rocks were hauled away. Sand was brought in, and seaweed was cleared from the water. Palm trees were planted, creating the beautiful beach we see today.
In the 1970s, there was a hotel called the "Water Island Colony Club" on the island. It was later renamed "Sugar Bird" but was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo.
Fort Segarra: A World War II Secret
Fort Segarra was built during World War II to help protect the U.S. submarine base on Saint Thomas. It was meant to be an underground fort. Construction started in 1944 but was never finished because the war ended.
After the war, the unfinished fort was used for some testing by the Army. Today, you can still see the gun placements, tunnels, and underground rooms that were built. The site is open for visitors to explore. The United States Army Corps of Engineers checks the soil in the area to make sure it is safe.
Visiting Water Island: What to Do
You can reach Water Island by taking a ferry from Crown Bay Marina. The ferry takes you to Phillips Landing. Once there, you can rent golf carts to explore the island.
While there are no large hotels, you can rent homes for your stay. The Virgin Islands Campground also offers places to stay. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean environment!
In Spanish: Water Island (Islas Vírgenes) para niños
