Is St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands Really Part of the United States-

Is St. Thomas Virgin Islands Part of the United States?

The Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean, is often associated with the United States. However, the question of whether St. Thomas, one of the main islands in the Virgin Islands, is actually part of the United States is a topic of interest for many. In this article, we will explore the history, political status, and cultural ties between St. Thomas and the United States to provide a comprehensive understanding of this matter.

History of the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands have a complex history, having been under various colonial powers before becoming a United States territory. The islands were initially inhabited by the Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples. In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus discovered the islands and named them after St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins, hence the name “Virgin Islands.”

Over the following centuries, the islands were controlled by Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Britain. In 1733, the British acquired the islands from France, and they became known as the British Virgin Islands. The Danish West India Company took control of the Danish West Indies, which included St. Thomas, in 1672. The Danish rule lasted until 1917, when the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million, marking the beginning of U.S. territorial control.

Political Status of St. Thomas

Today, St. Thomas is part of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The USVI consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Although the USVI is a territory of the United States, it does not have the same political representation as the states. Residents of the USVI cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections, and the islands do not have a voting representative in Congress.

Despite not being a state, the USVI does have a local government that operates under the territorial constitution. The governor of the USVI is appointed by the President of the United States, and the island’s residents have a level of self-governance.

Cultural Ties Between St. Thomas and the United States

St. Thomas has a strong cultural connection to the United States, as evidenced by the island’s infrastructure, language, and legal system. English is the official language, and the legal system is based on U.S. law. Additionally, the island’s residents hold U.S. citizenship, which allows them to travel freely to and from the United States without a visa.

The cultural ties between St. Thomas and the United States are also reflected in the island’s economy. Tourism is a major industry, and many visitors come from the United States. The island’s economy has also been influenced by U.S. businesses and investments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, St. Thomas Virgin Islands is indeed part of the United States. While it is not a state, the island is a U.S. territory with strong cultural, economic, and political ties to the United States. The unique status of the USVI highlights the diverse and complex nature of the U.S. territorial system.