Photography by Carol Lee

Whim Plantation Museum on St. Croix

Written by Julie Greiner

Whim is the oldest sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands. Tours of the Whim Plantation are designed with the purpose of increasing the understanding of a colonial sugar plantation to both island residents and visitors. Exhibits and guided tours are designed to interpret the economics of the plantation, explain the procedures used in the cultivation and processing of sugar and bring to life the everyday lives of the people who lived and worked in the era.

History of a Sugar Plantation

The estate of Whim is typical of the agricultural plantations originally

Photography by Carol Lee

laid out in the 1730's by the Danish West Indian company. The first records of ownership date back to 1743 and show cotton as being grown on the estate first. Sugar became the main crop by the 1750s and it continued until the 1920's when sugar gave way to cattle. The United States federal government purchased the entire plantation in 1932. An unsuccessful attempt was made to introduce homesteading to St. Croix and Whim was one of the chosen trial areas. Twelve acres of the original plantation acres with the buildings from the plantation were leased to the society in 1954. The St. Croix Landmarks Society manages the museum today.

The St. Croix Landmarks Society

The most visible endeavor of the Society is the interpretation and organization of exhibits utilizing the museum for visitors and all of the buildings and equipment which

Photography by Carol Lee

together form an 1800 century island sugar plantation. These exhibits include the great house, cookhouse, privy/bath house, three kinds of can processing mills (animal, wind and steam) a watchhouse, a carriage house and several other foundations such as the workers houses and factory which are soon to be completed and added to the tour.

Special Events and Weddings

The Whim Plantation is available for private parties and events. This is a perfect setting for a Wedding and/or reception. You may contact the Society for information on reserving the facility. Events at Whim include Concerts, Art Exhibits and Wine at Whim.

The museum continues to actively collect and conserve artifacts pertinent to St. Croix's colonial history. A rare book library and archives have been established on the property and is open to the public for research. For further information on tours call: (340) 772-0598.