Things to do nearBlackbeard's Castle

Blackbeard's Castle takes its name from the notorious pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, who legend holds used this hilltop tower as a lookout over the busy shipping lanes of the Caribbean. The stone tower itself was built by Danish colonists in 1679, predating American ownership of the island by nearly two and a half centuries, and it stands today as a National Historic Landmark.

Visiting Blackbeard's Castle means moving through a layered estate that includes the ancient tower, a small museum, swimming pool, and terraced gardens draped in tropical plantings. Guided tours bring the colonial and pirate history to life, and the hilltop setting gives the whole experience a sense of remove from the bustling duty-free streets below. Just a short walk downhill, the iconic 99 Steps lead back into the heart of Charlotte Amalie.

The harbor panorama visible from the grounds is among the finest on the island, stretching across the turquoise waters toward neighboring cays. Travelers who want more elevated views can continue on to Drake's Seat, the ridge-top overlook named for Sir Francis Drake. Blackbeard's Castle earns its place on any St. Thomas itinerary as a rare site where pirate myth and documented history occupy the same ancient stones.