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USVI Transfer Centennial: The 100 Year Celebration

Transfer Centennial BookletMarch 31st 2017 marked the 100th year anniversary of Transfer Day – the day the United States purchased what was known as the Danish West Indies from Denmark and officially became the Virgin Islands of the United States. To celebrate this momentous occasion, a number of special centennial events were held throughout the territory led by the U.S. Virgin Islands Centennial Commission, a special group formed to organize the Centennial Commemoration of Transfer Day.

History of Transfer Day

Initial negotiations for the purchase of the Danish West Indies (D.W.I.) began on January 7, 1865 – over 50 years before the official transfer took place! A number of incidents stalled the completing of the transfer including: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, contract stipulations with France regarding the sale of St. Croix, and a touch of Danish resentment for previously failed treaties.

It was World War I that led to the successful completion of the transfer of the D.W.I. to the United States. Dismal economic conditions on the island were a result of the war, causing a massive financial drain on the Danish Government. Additionally, the United States were concerned with Germany’s naval threat to the Panama Canal by potentially building a base in the D.W.I.

On March 4, 1916, Secretary of State Robert Lansing met with Danish Minister Constantin Brun and signed a treaty agreeing to the sale of the D.W.I. The treaty, ratified by both countries governments, cemented the formal exchange in Washington, D.C. on January 17, 1917. On March 31, 1917, the American Central Bank issued a check for $25 million in gold dollars for the purchase of the D.W.I. Once it was presented to the Danish ambassador in Washington, a wire to St. Thomas was sent informing them that the transfer could take place. Check out the rare footage below of the day’s events back on March 31, 1917.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mjYChNjzDA?rel=0&w=560&h=315]Transfer Day Centennial Celebrations on St. Croix

To kick off the celebrations on St. Croix, the Centennial Military Parade commenced at 8am on March 31, 2017. It made its way through the streets of downtown Christiansted, concluding at Fort Christiansvern on the waterfront. Led by the Virgin Islands National Guard, marching bands, police and military personnel, majorettes and a Danish brass ensemble marched with beaming pride as they greeted and performed for dignitaries, locals and visitors alike that lined both sides of the parade route.

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The Transfer Day Commemoration Ceremony took place immediately after the parade, replicating the events of Transfer Day 100 years ago. The lowering of the Danish flag was accompanied by a musical selection from the Copenhagen Brass Ensemble followed by the raising of the United States flag as the Star Spangled Banner was effortlessly sung. In addition to distinguished remarks from territory leaders, Washington representatives and the prime minister of Denmark, twenty permanent residents from various Caribbean islands including Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Dominican Republic participated in their naturalization ceremony. As they took the Oath of Allegiance, they officially became United States citizens on a date we’re sure they’ll remember always!

Transfer Centennial Ceremony

The day wrapped up with a festive Centennial block party complete with music, dancing and food & drinks plus an illuminating firework show that lasted for 15 minutes! Everyone in attendance had a great time plus over 8,000 Danes traveled to the territory to take part in the Centennial events.

Transfer Day is momentous occasion celebrated each year on St. Croix. We look forward to having you join us at next year’s Transfer Day celebration!