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History of Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands

Early History

Magens Bay, St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands was at one time home to a prehistoric village. In the winter of 1916-1917, a significant archaeological dig was completed at the beach, and the remains of seven adults and two children were unearthed, along with canoes, pottery, shells, and other evidence of a prehistoric civilization2p106.

1916-1917

Theodoor H. N. de Booy spends the winter searching for Indian remains on the Virgin Islands. Notable finds include remains on Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas. Research is done for the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation2p4-5.

1916-1917

1916-1917 Cross Section of Aboriginal Mound at Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

A cross section of an aboriginal mound at Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c. 1916-19172p106.

1916-1917

1916-1917 Laborers excavating in pre-historic deposits Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

Laborers excavating in pre-historic deposits at Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c. 1916-1917.2p106.

1916-1917

King Road, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c1916-1917.

King Road, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c. 1916-19172p106.

 

Clearing land by fire, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c1916-1917.

Clearing land by fire, Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c. 1916-19172p106.

1918

1918 Panorama of Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, showing Tropaco Point, Outer Brass Island and Picara Point.

A panorama view of Magens Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands c. 1918 showing Tropaco Point (left), Outer Brass Island (center) and Picara Point (right)2p102.

1946 December 27

There is a monument on Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands that reads...This plaque expresses appreciation and perpetuates the memory of Arthur S. Fairchild long time friend and resident of St. Thomas who on December 27, 1946 donated the major portion of Magens Bay Beach and 55 acres of land in perpetuity to the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John. "The natural beauty and benefits to be preserved for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of the Virgin Islands without discrimination of any kind by reason of race, color, or creed."1

1947 March 01

The Virgin Islands Tourist Advisory Board, formed in February 1946 to investigate ways to increase tourism in St. Thomas and the rest of the United States Virgin Islands, concluded a year of study and sent its final report to the governor of the United States Virgin Islands. Recommendations included building a nine hold golf course, building a modern bath house with showers at Magens Bay (possibly including a lunch room and a bar for drinks), and setting up ground transportation and hotels among other recommendations. The goal was to build up to 500 tourists annually by 1948. 5.

1948 February 22

United States President Harry Truman, arriving on at Charlotte Amalie aboard the U.S.S. Williamsburg, visited St. Thomas to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the end of slavery in the Danish West Indies. President Truman also visited Drake's Seat to take in the view of Magens Bay and the Drake Channel 4.