Archeology


Current events are reported by our Archeology interns in a Web Log (BLOG).

Originally VI National Park was established for its natural beauty and recreational resources. Since then, the Park Service has become aware of the rich cultural resources in the Park with landscapes that are the most all-inclusive and culturally diverse in the National Park System. Virgin Islands National Park has since revised management plans to reflect these significant cultural resources that collectively preserve a comprehensive picture of the Caribbean’s human heritage and development from prehistory to the present, on land and underwater.

Significant prehistoric sites are present on almost every beach and in every bay within the Park. These archeological sites date from as early as 840 BC to the arrival of Columbus. Only two prehistoric sites have been investigated in the Park, Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay. However, these sites have given us a greater understanding of this Caribbean region’s prehistory, and the religious and social development of the Taino culture. In addition, these two sites have dramatically increased our understanding of the ancient rock art that is found throughout the Caribbean islands. We now know when Caribbean rock art was carved, why they were carved in these specific areas, (such as the petroglyphs found at Reef Bay), their purpose, religious meaning, and how they reflect cultural development.

Read more about “VINP Cultural Resources” by Park archeologist Ken Wild
 


VI National Park Archeology at a Glance...A few of the projects in the works

Reburial Program at Cinnamon Bay: VI National Park (VINP) archeology has already sought the input and approval from all denominations of faith on St. John, and the analysis of human remains has been conducted. An appropriate receptacle needs to be dug, which first requires an archeological survey of the site. The remains need to be gathered from the repositories where are they currently being safely kept.

Inventory of all the archeology sites within VINP: All of the culturally significant sites within the Park need to be inventoried and documented, so that they can be protected (theft is unfortunately a problem).

Hassel Island: The archaeology team is writing the reports for the work recently done on the historic epidemic hospital on Hassel Island. The conservation of large artifacts, such as anchors, steam engines, and railways is underway at Creque Marine.

 

Museum at Cinnamon Bay: Planning is underway for the exhibits depicting the Caribbean’s human heritage from prehistory to present.

 

Signage: Warning signs will be installed near ruins to inform visitors “not to touch” for their safety and to preserve the ruins.

 

Cinnamon Bay Dig: Analysis continues of the artifacts unearthed at Cinnamon Bay.