![\"Estate](\"https:\/\/soulofamerica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/StCroix-Estate_Whim.jpg\")
Wind mill at Estate Whim, St. Croix<\/strong>; credit USVI Tourism<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n St. Croix was inhabited by the Arawak Indian tribe as early as 800 AD, followed by the Carib Indian tribe about a centoury before Columbus arrived. The Arawaks were a peaceful tribe in the various islands they inhabited. Fierce opposites, the Caribs were regarded as war mongers and cannibals by other Native Indian tribes. The Spanish word for Carib or “carribales” essentially means cannibals. With such fearsome neighbors, the Arawaks were often forced to live on larger islands where they could retreat into the hills when attacked. At a minimum, they paid tribute to the Caribs and begged to keep their lives. Just goes to show, bad people exist in every race.<\/p>\n On 14 November 1493, Columbus made his first visit to “Ayay” (as the Native Indians called St. Croix) and renamed it Santa Cruz. He was not welcomed by the Caribs. Upon anchoring at Salt River, a small boatload of Spaniards approached the shore and encountered a small canoe carrying four men and two women. A battle ensued, some were killed or maimed on both sides. Remaining Caribs were taken prisoner or enslaved. Shortly afterwards, King Charles V of Spain painted a very broad bruch by declaring all Indians in the islands (their native lands) as enemies to be eliminated.<\/p>\n War continued between the Caribs and Spaniards for nearly a century. As late as 1596, was not a major port for the Spanish chose to settle San Juan, Puerto Rico rather than St. Croix due to Carib attacks.<\/p>\n In the early 1600s, the Dutch and English cooperated to settle the Virgin Islands. Each country settled a separate side of a island. Inevitably, conflict over resources or boundaries or mishaps. After numerous battles, the Dutch abandoned St. Croix, leaving it to English controll until 1650 when the Spanish sent a fleet from Puerto Rico to slaughter everyone. With the English ousted, the Dutch mistakenly believed it to be abandoned and attempted to recapture St. Croix. Sending two ships from St. Eustatius who dropped anchor in front of Fort Frederik and proceeded to land. But the Spanish left 60 men to guard the fort. The moment Dutch anchors were dropped, Spanish artillery killed all but ten men.<\/p>\nSt. Croix History<\/h2>\n