99 Steps, is a work out that will get your heart pumping. Admission is free so when you are in Charlotte Amalie make your way to Government House and Hotel 1829. Between these two buildings you will find steps built in the 1700′s by the Danes. Some say they were built when Danish engineers demanded that the city be laid out in a grid format. Not having visited these engineers weren’t aware of St. Thomas’ steep topography yet demanded the grid so the staircase was built. The bricks used to construct the steps were originally brought from Denmark as ballast in the hulls of sailing ships. Some have said the steps were built as a way to use these bricks. Others have said the steps made the hillsides easier to climb.
As you climb the 99 steps count and you will learn that there are actually 103 steps leading you high atop the harbor were the stone remains of an old tower said to be used by Blackbeard as a lookout. It is now the Inn at Blackbeard’s Castle. Also at the top of the 99 steps is the statue of the Three Queen who led the labor revolt of St. Croix in 1878.
