The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates the 100th anniversary of
Transfer Day on March 31 on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
Transfer Day, a national holiday, commemorates the day in
1917 when the 133-square-mile island chain comprising the Danish West Indies
was ceded to the U.S. by Denmark, becoming the U.S. Virgin Islands in exchange
for $25 million in gold.
The U.S. interest in the islands primarily was their
strategic location to improve military positioning during World War I. Later,
the islands were a foothold in the Caribbean for the U.S. Navy in World War II.
The destination's "Centennial Commemoration"
promotion, which gives visitors $300 in spending credits for tours and
activities, has generated more than 500 bookings in March, according to Beverly
Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of tourism.
"We observe the significant milestone on March 31, but
throughout 2017 we are staging events and festivities on all three islands to
mark the centennial," the commissioner said.
For a calendar of events, go to www.visitusvi.com.