Tag: 1878 Fire Burn

Courage Of Ancestors Reflected Today In Modern-Day Observance Of Contract Day

It was 143 years ago on October 1, 1878, when Crucian agricultural laborers set fire to Frederiksted town and western plantations on St. Croix. The objective was to burn all the way east to “Bassin jailhouse,” known today as Fort Christiansvaern. In those days, Christiansted was called Bassin by Crucians. In 1733, the Danes founded […]

Today Is Contract Day In The U.S. Virgin Islands Recognizing 1878 Fire Burn Revolt

CHRISTIANSTED — Today is October 1st, the start of the new fiscal year and what has been known as Contract Day in the Virgin Islands. “Today we salute those who came before us,” St. Croix Senator Kenneth “Kenny” Gittens said. “Those who set the example of standing up for fair treatment and better wages. Today […]