Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands

The 1867 Virgin Islands earthquake and tsunami heavily damaged the town. The tsunami with an estimated height of 7.6 meters beached the USS Monongahela onshore. At least five people were killed. The town was destroyed by a labor revolt (known as "The Fireburn" because arson was utilized as a means of revolt) in October 1878, which was led by four Crucian female laborers. Frederiksted was restored during the Victorian era, as reflected in its architecture. Modern Frederiksted operates at a slower pace than Christiansted, except for carnival in January and whenever cruise ships dock in its deepwater port. In recent years successful redevelopment efforts have begun to restore and revitalize this National Historic Site. The 2000 census population of the town was 732, and that of the larger sub-district was 3,767. Image:Saint Croix carnival dancer.jpg | A costumed carnival dancer. Image:Saint Croix carnival dancer2.jpg | Parade of costumed carnival dancers. Image:Saint Croix carnival dancer3.jpg | A costumed carnival dancer. Image:Saint Croix carnival dancer4.jpg | A costumed carnival dancer. Image:Mochajombies.jpg | A Moko jumbie. ==Demographics==

Movies • 1994 The Shawshank Redemption • 1986 Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story • 1983 Trading Places • 1977 The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977 film) Music • 2014 Pressure (reggae musician) music video shot in Frederiksted == Renovation and revitalization ==

Several companies have drafted plans to refurbish and enhance the greater Frederiksted area. The Public Finance Authority retained Coastal Systems to develop concepts for a waterfront park, beach, cruise pier, and other site improvements. Teams of land planners, engineers, and landscape architects met with local interest groups to develop plans for redevelopment of the area. Environmental regulatory surveys and permits were managed by the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Agency of the USVI. Phase I of the project was completed, which consisted of the reconstruction of the waterfront park while maintaining the historical facade representative of St. Croix's heritage. Natural stonework was used throughout the project site in accordance with the local architectural style. Phase II of the project will involve reconstruction of the community waterfront north of the fort and re-creation of breakwaters, reconstruction of Paul E. Joseph Stadium, and restoration of the beach, restroom facilities, retaining pond, utilities, parking areas, and soccer fields. == Volunteers, community, and art ==

Volunteerism is a big part of Frederiksted. Clean Sweep Frederiksted engages volunteers in community cleanups, mural and garden projects, and other opportunities. It also worked with the Artists Guild of St. Croix to install dozens of painted rum barrels as community trash bins. The Artists Guild of St. Croix has installed several murals and paintings, and sponsors scholarships. Delta Dorsch, who was born in Frederiksted, wrote The Role of the Storyteller in the Preservation of Virgin Islands Culture (1999) and contributed to The Glory Days of Frederiksted (2004) about Frederiksted's culture.'''' == Climate ==

Frederiksted has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) featuring very warm to hot weather year-round. Water temperatures are usually around in winter and in September. The waters are typically very calm, as Frederiksted is in the leeward side (shadow of the island's wind) with about a tide. The sunrise varies from 5:30 a.m. in summer to 7:00 a.m. in winter. Sunset varies between 5:40 p.m. in winter to 7:10 p.m. in summer. St. Croix does not use Daylight Saving Time. The ultraviolet index varies from 10+ in the summer and a maximum of 7 in winter. Persistent easterly trade winds, moving from east to west across the island year round create a cool breeze. Rainforests occur on the western side of St. Croix due to the topography featuring peaks, which gather moisture from the trade winds. This rainforest climate is unique to the Frederiksted side of St. Croix. Hurricanes: • 1984 Nov. Category 1 Hurricane Klaus (1984) caused severe flooding • 1989, Sept. Category 4 Hugo devastated ~85% of St. Croix, destroying the Old Frederiksted Pier • 1995, Sept. Category 2 Marilyn caused severe damage to St. Croix, in particular to the Frederiksted side of the island and even more damage to St. Thomas. • 1998, Sept. Category 4 Hurricane Georges affected 15% of the island's power grid, wind and wave damage. • 1999, Oct. Category 2 Hurricane Jose (1999) minimal damage • 1999, Nov. Category 4 Hurricane Lenny passes 21 miles south of St. Croix, 15-20' waves destroyed many beaches dumping 6.5 ft (2 m) of sand onto coastal roads about 100 ft (30 m) inland, wind damage, and flooding/erosion. • 2004, Sept. Category 3 Hurricane Jeanne • 2008, Oct. Category 1 Hurricane Omar (2008) Nearly the entire island lost power, scores of boats were damaged or destroyed, and an oil spill. • 2010, Aug/Sept. Category 4 Hurricane Earl (2010) minimal damage, power outages • 2011, Aug. Tropical Storm Hurricane Irene hit St. Croix, damaging beaches • 2014, Aug. Category 1 Hurricane Bertha (2014) hit St. Croix as a tropical storm, damaging beaches • 2017, Sept. Category 5 Hurricane Irma passed ~100 miles north of St. Croix with local winds near 100 mph removing small branches and leaves. • 2017, Sept. Category 5 Hurricane Maria passed ~10 miles south of St. Croix. == Notable people ==

• Joe Christopher, former Major League Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets • Victor Cornelins, Danish school teacher, musician, and public speaker. ==See also==