How much did Denmark sell the Virgin Islands for?
How much did Denmark sell the Virgin Islands for? On March 31, 1917, Denmark formally transferred governance over the islands to the U.S., and the U.S. reciprocated by paying Denmark $25 million in gold coin.
Is Danish still spoken in the Virgin Islands?
The islands were formerly the Danish West Indies. During the 245 years of Danish ownership the official language was Danish, however it was never established as the common language. Today it is not part of language in the Virgin Islands with the exception of Danish street names in historic areas.
Why did U.S. buy Virgin Islands?
The islands remained under Danish rule until 1917, when the United States purchased them for $25 million in gold in an effort to improve military positioning during critical times of World War I. St. Croix, St.
Why did the US buy the Virgin Islands?
History & Political Status In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish part for $25 million, mainly for strategic reasons to assure tranquility in the Caribbean Ocean. U.S. citizenship was conferred on U.S. Virgin Islanders in 1927.