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Water Island is the fourth and most recent main island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a United States territory located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is of volcanic origin and lies to the south of Saint Thomas in the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Ferry service runs regularly from Crown Bay, Saint Thomas to Phillips Landing, Water Island; the ferry ride is about 10 minutes. At 637.56 acres (2.58 km²) in size, Water Island is the smallest of the main U.S. Virgin Islands. It is administratively a part (subdistrict) of the St. Thomas District. Water Island is a residential island, with a population of 161 (2000 census) and no significant commercial establishments. Several small vacation cottages accommodate visitors. The main attractions are beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, plantation ruins, and Fort Segarra, an underground fort partially constructed by the U.S. during World War II.
History The earliest known Water Island settlers were Taino Indians in the 15th century. Water Island was named by Europeans for its natural ponds of fresh water. Many islands in the Lesser Antilles lack potable water, so Water Island was a frequent stop for pirates seeking to replenish their ships' stores of fresh water. Danish claims to the island date to at least 1769. During the 18th century and early 19th century, the island was owned by several free blacks and mulattos who oversaw cotton plantations and raised livestock. In 1905 the island was sold to the Danish East Asiatic Company. The United States purchased Water Island in 1944 to protect the submarine base on Saint Thomas during World War II. From 1944 to 1950 the island was under the operation of the Department of Defense. The United States Army's Chemical Warfare Division used sections of Water Island to test chemical warfare agents, inluding Agent Orange, until 1950. It was then turned over to the Department of the Interior and leased out, primarily to residential tenants. Control of Water Island was transferred from the federal government to the territorial government on December 12, 1996, making Water Island the "Last Virgin". In the late 1990's the Department of the Interior began transferring Water Island land to the long-time residential leaseholders. In 2005 the Virgin Islands government announced plans to further develop Water Island, and to increase the amount of residential housing to deal with chronic shortages on Saint Thomas. See also | ||||||||
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