NPS Form KMOO (Rw. 8^) (MB No. I024-00)* United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form r <-}AT!ONaL This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instrSion^ in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Buiietin 16). Complete each item by marking “x” in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter “N/A” for “not applicable.” For functions, stylos, materials and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategorios listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation shoots (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property ------------------------------------ historic name Skytsborg other names/site number Fpgarthv's Castle. Kjaer's Castle. Blackbeard's Castle 2. Location ' ^ street & number 39 Donningens Cade city, town Charlotte Amalie I I not (or publication J vicinity state |)g; Virgin Klanris code 78 county St. Thomas code 0100 zip code 00801 3. Classification Ownership of Property private I public-local I public-state ] public-Federal Category of Property building(s) district site structure object Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 1 Name of related multiple property listing: Chrit;tian<;tprl Hicitnrir Distrirt 0 buildings ___ sites ___ structures ___objects 0 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0 4. State/Federal Agency Certification j^the designat^ authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. I hereby certify that this I—I nomination LJ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property □ meets Ddoes not meeUhe National Register criteria. □ See continuation sheet. Signature of certifying official Date State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property □ meets Ddoes not meet the National Register criteria. □ See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification I, hereby, certify that this property is; n entered in the National Register. I I See continuation sheet. CH determined eligible for the National Register. Q See continuation shoot, n determined not eligible for the National Register. removed from the National Register, other, (explain:)_________________ Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) npfpncfi - military farility Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Rprrpatinn — mnniimpnt 7. Description_______ Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Hanjgh rninnjal - Mjlitary <;tnno Ton,or Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation Stone - Limestone walls_____ Stone - Limestone roof _ other. Wood Describe present and historic physical appearance. Skytsborg, commonly referred to as Blackboard's Castle, is situated on Government Hill (formerly called Baggaertsbjerg in the 17th century) overlooking Charlotte Amalie and the St. Thomas Harbor. This fortified stone tower, constructed in 1679, is slightly ovoid in ground plan, 20 feet in diameter at the base and tapering to 17' 8" at the top of the parapet. The interior of the tower originally had three wooden floors. The original levels are clearly identified by projecting stone ledges on the interior side of the tapered stone wall. The total height of the tower is 31' 6". The walls of the tower are constructed of masonry rubble, 53" thick at the base and tapering to 40" at the edge of the parapet. The exterior and interior surfaces of the walls were originally covered with a thin coat of lime plaster and whitewashed. Traces of this’plaster exist on the interior surfaces of the tower, although this covering does not exist on the exterior surface. The tower is entered from the north, 'through a four fdot Wide,' sevein foot high elliptical arched entrance. The entrance has three stone steps leading into the tower, and the entrance opening is faced with brick. The wooden entrance door and metal fittings are modern, but are in character with the tower. ............ d] See continuation shoot NPS Form 10-90(^ (M6) 0MB Afiprw^ No. 1024^ (we) OMB Apprwwt No. 70240078 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page Originally the fourth floor room was an open observation and gun platform. It was covered with a wooden roof in the 19th century when the tower served as an astronomical observatory. This roof was replaced in the 20th century with a modern wooden roof below the parapet wall. The floor of the fourth floor room is made of reinforced concrete. A circular metal stair permits access to all floors. The original 17th century stone masonry construction of the tower and brick facing for the entrance and gun ports of the tower are in excellent shape. None of the original wooden interior walls of the tower indicate the original locations of the floor levels. All wooden floors and stairs were replaced with reinforced concrete and a circular metal staircase in the 19th century. A modern roof was installed in the top floor in the 20th century. 8. Statement of Significance_____________________ _____________________ — Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation tocher properties: [3 nationally □statewide Applicable National Register Criteria [31a Qb Dc □□ ]A □ locally Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) JB iB □ C □□ □£ □f Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Fvplnrpitinn/Settlement Military__________________________________ Period of Significance Early Danish Colonial Qottipment 1679-1700 Significant Dates 1679 Cultural Affiliation N/A______ Significant Person r.nvernnr InrcR IversaO- Architect/Builder N/A_____ State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above" Skytsborg, or Blackboard's Castle, is a medieval style fortified tower constructed in 1679 by the Danish colonial government as part of a network of defensive fortifications to protect St. Thomas, it is the best remaining example of 17th century Danish colonial military architecture in the United States, and is the only 17th,century fortified tower in the Caribbean. m.tTnmr.AI BACKGROUND: Skytsborg has its roots in the eariiest history of the Danish Virgin Islands. In 1678, war having broken out between France and Denmark, the French settlers of neighboring St. Croix launched an attempt to seize St. Thomas Isiand. Fortunately. Governor Jorge Iverson, since arrival in 1672. undertook to construct a large four-sided fort at the harbors edge of Charlotte Amalie the capital of St. Thomas, called Christlansfort. (designed an NHL in 1977). As the attackers did not have an siege cannon this structure was easily able to withstand the brief siege imposed by the French from St. Croix, who were forced to retreat. One of the main features of Christlansfort was a squat three story high tower named Trygbprg on the north side of the fort. Twenty-six and one half feet high and 90 feet in circumference the tower was intended as a self-contained last ditch defensive position if an enemy carried the outer walls of Chnstiansfor^g^ sheet 9. Major BIbHographIcal Referances Previous documentation on fiie (NPS): □ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # __ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # □ See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: □ State historic preservation office ] Other State agency □ Federal agency I Local government ~] University ] Other Specify repository: Virgin lslanH«; Planninn Offirp 10. Geographical Data Acreage of property. UTM References A I , I I I , I . 86 acres N/A Zone Easting I I I Northing I I I I B Zone D II I _L I Easting I I I J I ■ I Northing I I I 18° 20' 44" N. Lat. 64° 56' 50" W. Long, □ See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description The nominated property is the tower located at the peak of Government Hill, No. 39 Donningens Cade, Kings Quarter. The boundary is a circle 30 feet in diameter centered upon the axis of the tower located at 18° 20' 44" North Latitude and 64° 56' 50" West Longtitude. I I See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The boundary includes just the area of No. 39 Dronningens gade that includes the tower. This boundary has been selected to encompass a single portion of a larger parcel of land that is occupied by just Skytsborg Tower. I I See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By name/title_____ organization___ street & number. city or town___ . date____ . telephone. . state___ . zip code. NPS F*orm 10-900< (M6) 0M8 Approval Mo. 1024^1$ United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number__ Page The first floor was a large storeroom for ammunition and provisions. The walls of the upper two floors were studded with embrasures for both small arms and light cannon. This was the first military tower that can be documented on St. Thomas. Trygborg and the north side of Christiansfort were torn down in the 19th century during renovation. Christiansfort provided a strong defense for St. Thomas against an attacking force from the sea. However, Governor Iversen realized that an attacking force could have pounded Christiansfort into submission by erecting an artillery battery on the high ground behind and north of the fort. For this reason, Iversen ordered a tower fortification erected on Baggaertsbjerg, a hill top north of Christiansfort in 1679, similar to Trygborg. Such a tower, would serve not only to deny the high ground to an attacking force, but could also serve as a watchtower providing a vantage point high enough to peer over Hassel Island to scan the open ocean; thereby providing early warning of an approaching enemy. The success of the 1678 defense of St. Thomas convinced Iversen of the usefulness of stone towers for defense. Iversen's letter of February 2, 1680 to the directors of the Danish West India Company indicated that Skytsborg had been erected at Baggaertsbjerg by that date. In it he wrote "Since I had the Watchtower erected at Baggaertsbjerg I did not fear a hasty attack so much." A 1687 English map of St. Thomas harbor depicts and it describes a "small white tower" on Baggaertsbjerg to the north of Christiansfort. In 1688 another crisis occurred when in response to dynastic wars in Europe, the Spanish from Puerto Rico occupied Crab Island (Vieques) and Anguilla, thereby surrounding St. Thomas. This made the Danes in St. Thomas concerned as the NPS Form 10-900^ (M®) OM8 Afifirwat No. J024-00ia United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8___ Page 3— Spanish had never abandoned their claim, by right of discovery, to the Virgin Islands. Governor Christopher Heins, who had replaced Iversen, undertook a program of up­ grading the fortifications of Christiansfort and Skytsborg. He had embrasures cut in the walls of Skytsborg for two large cannon capable of covering the harbor. In addition, he erected a third tower to the east on Schmidtsbjerg. The erection of this last tower in 1689 completed the 17th century defenses of St. Thomas. In peacetime no soldiers were stationed at Skytsborg or Schmidtsbjerg, while a skeleton force was maintained at Christiansfort. If an attack by other colonial forces or slave rebellion was anticipated an alarm was sounded by firing a predetermined number of cannon at Christiansfort. This signal would call out all able bodied whites and free blacks to take up arms and report to one of the three fortifications. A militia sergeant and eight men were posted in Skytsborg in emergencies. Such an alarm occurred in May of 1694 when a slave insurrection was anticipated from the newly established plantations in New Quarter, present day Tutu ( a suburb of Charlotte Amalie). Throughout the eighteenth century Denmark maintained a policy of strict neutrality in all European wars. This policy proved more of an economic boon to the Danish West Indies than the planting of sugar cane because of the commerce it attracted to the island to transact business. As a neutral Caribbean port of trade, all European traders respected the neutrality of St. Thomas, and to a certain extent encouraged its prosperity, as it provided a means of trade between otherwise belligerent European powers. As the warehouses and trading houses of Charlote Amalie expanded to meet this trade the need for fortifications languished. NPS P900 (Rev. M6) 0MB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service ; '' i National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See fnifrtJctfbhs iri Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x” in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A” for “not applicable. For functions, styles, rnaterials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1 ■ Name of Property_________________ _________________________________________________________________ historic name iiutvy.,v< ..w_________________<^[.^ytghnrq__________________________________________________ ____________ —I —j— Other names/site number r.agtlp. Kjaer's Castle. Blackbeard s Castle 2. Location__________________________________________________________ street & number 39 prnnpingp‘rv=^ Ciade J not for publication city, town Char|r.ttP Amalle- J vicinity StateiK Virgin IglanH^COde 78 county St. Thomas code 0100 zip code nn«ni 3. Classification Ownership of Property H private I I public-local I I public-state I I public-Federal Category of Property [3 building(s) I I district I I site I I structure I I object Name of related multiple property listing: rharinttp Amalie Historic District Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 1 n buildings _______ _______ sites _______ _______structures _______ _______objects 1 n T otal Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register------------------- 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this □ nomination □ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Pan 60. In my opinion, the property □ meets Ddoes not meet the National Register criteria. □ See continuation sheet. Signature of certifying official Date State or Federal agency and bureau In my npininn, the property 1 1 meets 1 Jdoes not meet the National Register criteria. L1 See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification _______________________ _ I, hereby, certify that this property is: I I entered in the National Register. I I See continuation sheet. I I determined eligible for the National Register. CZl See continuation sheet, undetermined not eligible for the National Register. I removed from the National Register, other, (explain:)_________________ Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) 7. Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation walls____ roof other Describe present and historic physical appearance. Skytsborg, commonly referred to as Blackbeadr's Castle, is situated on Government Hill (formerly called Baggaertsbjerg in the 17th century) overlooking Charlotte Amalie and the St. Thomas Harbor. This fortified stone tower, constructed in 1669, is highly ovoid in ground plan, 20 feet in diameter at the base and tapering at 17' 8" at the top of the parapet. The interior of the tower was originally divided into four levels by three wooden floors. The original levels are clearly identified by projecting stone ledges on the interior side of the tapered stone wall. The total height of the tower is 31' 6". The walls of the tower are constructed of masonry rubble, 53" thick at the base and tapering at 40" at the edge of the parapet. The exterior and interior surfaces of the wall were originally covered with a thin coat of lime plaster and whitewashed. Traces of this plaster exist on the interior surfaces of the tower, although this covering does not exist on the exterior surface. The tower is entered from the north, through a four-foot wide, seven foot high elliptical arch entrance. The entrance has three stone steps leading into the tower, and the entrance opening is faced with brick. The wooden entrance door and metal fittings are modern, but are in character with the tower. 3 See continuation sheet NPS Form 1(V90&4 (M6) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 0MB AfiprO¥tl No. 10244)01$ OCT I 5 19:^! Section number Page The first floor room is 9 feet high. Nine brick lined, gun ports (6" x 9") are arranged in a radial pattern throughout the first floor room, seven feet above the present floor level. This would indicate that there once existed a wooden platform along the inner wall to serve as a firing platform for the gun ports. The floor of the first floor room is constructed of stone set in concrete. The second floor room is 7' 2" high. Thirteen brick lined gun ports, similar in size to those in the first floor room are arranged in a radial pattern. They are six feet above the present floor level. There is also a larger gun port or embrasure, measuring 14" x 26", set 45" about the floor level in the south face of the tower. This is probably one of two embrasures cut into the existing tower in 1688, for cannons to command Charlotte Amalie Harbor and protect the north approaches to Christiansfort. The floor of the second floor room is made of reinforced concrete. The third floor room is 7' high. Thirteen brick lined gun ports repeat the radial pattern found on the second floor room. The floor of the third floor room is made of reinforced concrete. The fourth floor room is 7' high. The tower walls are pierced by eight gun ports. Seven gun ports measure 12" x 16", while the eighth one is 12" x 30". This latter gun port is on the north face of the tower and probably served a small cannon to protect the tower from the hills above. NPS Fonn 104004 (040) United States Department of the interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMBAfififW^No. 1024^18 I 5 -c, Section number__Z_ Page Originally the fourth floor room was an open observation and gun platform. It was covered with a wooden roof in the 19th century when the tower served as an astronomical observatory. This roof was replaced in the 20th century with a modern wooden roof below the parapet wall. The floor of the fourth floor room is made of reinforced concrete. A circular metal stair permits access to all floors. The original 17th century stone masonry construction of the tower and brick facing for the entrance and gun ports of the tower are in excellent shape. None of the original wooden interior walls of the tower indicate the original locations of the floor levels. All wooden floors and stairs were replaced with reinforced concrete and a circular metal staircase in the 19th century. A modern roof was installed in the top floor in the 20th century. 8. Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria [El A Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) O A ]B ]b I I statewide ]C □□ ]c □□ r H locally Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Fvpinratinn/ ?^pttlement Military---------------------------------------------------------- E Df Period of Significance Early Danish Colonial Settlement 1&ZS~1700 I Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: [3 nationally Significant Dates 1679 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person Ptn\/f>rnnr Inrgpn l\/erg;nn Architect/Builder N/A State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. Skytsborg, or Blackbeard's Castle, is a medieval style fortified tower constructed in 1679 by the Danish colonial goyernment as part of a network of defensiye fortifications to protect St. Thomas. It is the best remaining example of 17th century Danish colonial military architecture in the United States, and is the only 17th century fortified tower in the Caribbean. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Skytsborg has its roots in the earliest history of the Danish Virgin Islands. In 1678, war having broken out between France and Denmark, the French settlers of neighboring St. Croix launched an attempt to seize St. Thomas Island. Fortunately, Governor Jorgen Iverson, since arrival in 1672, undertook to construct a large four-sided fort at the harbors edge of Charlotte Amalie the capital of St. Thomas, called Christiansfort, (designed an NHL in 1977). As the attackers did not have an siege cannon this structure was easily able to withstand the brief siege imposed by the French from St. Croix, who were forced to retreat. One of the main features of Christiansfort was a squat three story high tower named Trygborg on the north side of the fort. Twenty-six and one half feet high and 90 feet in circumference the tower was intended as a self-contained last ditch defensive position if an enemy carried the outer walls of Christiansfor|tT-[QpQ continuation shoot NP8 Form 1MOO« (6^ United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 0M8 Approver Mo. 1024^18 OCT I 5 i9S! Section number__^ Page The first floor was a large storeroom for ammunition and provisions. The walls of the upper two floors were studded with embrasures for both small arms and light cannon. This was the first military tower that can be documented on St. Thomas. Trygborg and the north side of Christiansfort were torn down in the 19th century during renovation. Christiansfort provided a strong defense for St. Thomas against an attacking force from the sea. However, Governor Iverson realized that an attacking force could have pounded Christiansfort into submission by erecting an artillery battery on the high ground behind and north of the fort. For this reason, Iverson ordered a tower fortification erected on Baggaertsbjerg, a hill top north of Christiansfort in 1679, similar to Trygborg. Such a tower, would serve not only to deny the high ground to an attacking force, but could also serve as a watchtower providing a vantage point high enough to peer over Hassel Island to scan the open ocean; thereby providing early warning of an approaching enemy. The success of the 1678 defense of St. Thomas convinced Iverson of the usefulness of stone towers for defense. Iverson's letter of February 2, 1680 to the directors of the Danish West India Company indicated that Skytsborg had been erected at Baggaertsbjerg by that date. In it he wrote "Since 1 had the Watchtower erected at Baggaertsbjerg I did not fear a hasty attack so much." A 1687 English map of St. Thomas harbor depicts and it describes a "small white tower" on Baggaertsbjerg to the north of Christiansfort. In 1688 another crisis occurred when in response to dynastic wars in Europe, the Spanish from Puerto Rico occupied Crab Island (Vieques) and Anguilla, thereby surrounding St. Thomas. This made the Danes in St. Thomas concerned as the NPS Form 1040&« (M8) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 0MB AfipmvM No. 1024^1$ OCT I 5 1991 Section number__8. Page Spanish had never abandoned their claim, by right of discovery, to the Virgin Islands. Governor Christopher Heins, who had replaced Iversen, undertook a program of up­ grading the fortifications of Christiansfort and Skytsborg. He had embrasures cut in the walls of Skytsborg for two large cannon capable of covering the harbor. In addition, he erected a third tower to the east on Schmidtsbjerg. The erection of this last tower in 1689 completed the 17th century defenses of St. Thomas. In peacetime no soldiers were stationed at Skytsborg or Schmidtsbjerg, while a skeleton force was maintained at Christiansfort. If an attack by other colonial forces or slave rebellion was anticipated an alarm was sounded by firing a predetermined number of cannon at Christiansfort. This signal would call out all able bodied whites and free blacks to take up arms and report to one of the three fortifications. A militia sergeant and eight men were posted in Skytsborg in emergencies. Such an alarm occurred in May of 1694 when a slave insurrection was anticipated from the newly established plantations in New Quarter, present day Tutu ( a suburb of Charlotte Amalie). Throughout the eighteenth century Denmark maintained a policy of strict neutrality in all European wars. This policy proved more of an economic boon to the Danish West Indies than the planting of sugar cane because of the commerce it attracted to the island to transact business. As a neutral Caribbean port of trade, all European traders respected the neutrality of St, Thomas, and to a certain extent encouraged its prosperity, as it provided a means of trade between otherwise belligerent European powers. As the warehouses and trading houses of Charlote Amalie expanded to meet this trade the need for fortifications languished. NP8 Form 1(M0&« United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page ^__ OM0 Appn¥^ No. 1024-001B OCT 15:., During the 18th century numerous European traders noted on maps the fortifications of St. Thomas. Van Keulen's 1719 map of St. Thomas, drafted for Governor Erik Bredal, in reference to Skytsborg "De Klyne Tooren es omgevallen" (the small tower is deteriorated). Similarly, a 1730 map of St. Thomas noted Skytsborg as a "gammellt fefalden taarn" (an old collapsing tower). Oxholm's map of 1779 labelled Skytsborg as "et gammellt taarn" (an old tower). During the early eighteenth century Skytsborg passed out of government to a planter named Johannes Jahnsen de Windt. De Windt's plantation lands, called Catarinabjerg after his wife Catherine were willed to the Dutch Reform Church in 1759. The pastor. Reverend Francis Verboom, purchased the plantation and Skytsborg for 38,000 rigsdollars, subdivided the land and sold off individual building lots. By 1800, an Irish immigrant Thim Fogarthy, acquired Skytsborg from Verboom. Fogarthy used the tower as his private residence. The first floor was used for storage, the second as a parlor and dining room, and the third floor as a bedroom. During the first three decades of the 19th century, Skytsborg was commonly know as Fogarthy's Castle. For most of the 19th century Skytsborg was called Kjaer's Castle, after Thomas A. Kjaer, who acquired the tower in 1826, and whose family owned the property until 1886. Kjaer's interest in astronomy saw him convert the tower into an astronomical observatory by placing a telescope on the roof, and putting a wooden roof on the top of the tower. When Kjaer's heirs sold Skytsborg in 1886 the stone walls were solid NP8 FWm 1M0M United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 5 oue Afitmti m. iotM)i$ OCT I 5 1991 but the wooden interior floors had to be replaced by the new owner A. R. Raven. During the 19th century, Skytsborg became associated with three distinct but erroneous legends. The first was that the tower was built by 17th century buccaneers, and later used by Captain Edward Teach, also known as Blackboard the Pirate. Blackboard was never known to have visited St. Thomas. The second legend was that the tower was built by the first Danish colonization attempt (1665-1666). However, there is ample historical evidence that it was constructed in the second Danish colonization effort when Governor Jorgen Iverson arrived in 1672. The last legend had a Dutch settler, Carl Baggaert building the tower in the 1670s on the high ground north of Christiansfort, then known as Baggaertsbjerg, as part of a dispute with Governor Iverson. Skytsborg may be considered the oldest unaltered structure on St. Thomas. Although Christiansfort predates Skytsborg, extensive alterations of the former in the 18th centuries eliminated its seventeenth century appearance. Schmidtsbjerg tower has also been extensively renovated obscuring its earlier appearance. No other 17th century structures survive in the Virgin Islands. The three tower defensive network of Skytsborg, Schmidtsbjerg, and Trygborg (part of Christiansfort), although medieval in appearance, admirably suited the defensive needs of St. Thomas in the 17th century. The principle danger, at that time, was not well equipped professional armies, but rather plundering raids, such as the French attack on NPSFonn 104004 (MO OM8 Mo.; >02*oora 0 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number__L Page St. Thomas in 1678, or slave rebellions. A small Danish force, supplemented with militia, could easily defend itself against such attacking forces. Nowhere else in the Caribbean were fortified towers constructed in the 17th century. By the early 18th century the development of accurate large calibre cannon necessitated a shift from outmoded and exposed medieval fortified towers to the lower profile Vauban style of rectangular forts with protruding bastions at the corners. The 18th century also brought large, well equipped professional armies and navies from Europe to the Caribbean. The concentration of the Danish on St. Thomas on trade precluded the construction of new defensive works. The inadequacy of the tower network to defend the island was demonstrated in 1801 when the British forced a bloodless surrender of the island to keep it from being used by French naval forces during the Napoleonic Wars. .9. Major Bibliographical References Previous documentation on file (NPS): □ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested □ previously listed in the National Register □ previously determined eligible by the National Register □ designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #_________________________________ ] recorded by Historic American Engineering [ Record # I I See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: □ State historic preservation office I I Other State agency I I Federal agency □ Local government I I University I I Other Specify repository: 10. Geographical Data Acreage of property UTM References A I I I I Zone Easting Northing c 1_U I I I I I I I I I I I , I J 1 , B LU U______ Zone Easting D !□ I I I I 1 I Northing I I I I I I I Verbal Boundary Description [] See continuation sheet Boundary Justification 3 See continuation sheet I I See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By name/title_____ organization___ street & number. city or town___ . date____ . telephone. . state___ . zip code. NPS Fom 1<«0(X (M8) OMS Affimni No. 1(04«n» United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OCT I 5 1991 Section number Page Historic American Buildings, Survey. Historic Architecture of the Virgin Islands. Philadelphia: HABS, February 1964 Knox, John P. A Historic Account of St. Thomas, V. I. New York: Charles Scribner, 1852. Larsen, Jens. Virgin Island Story Philadelphia Munlenberg press, 1950. Larsen, Kay. Dansk Vestindien 1666 - 1917 Copenhagen: C.A. Reitzels Fortag, 1928. Lawaetz, Eva "The First Danish Expeditions to the Island of St. Thomas in the West Indies and the Danish Colonization of St. Thomas" St. Thomas Public Library: Unpublished Monograph. McGuire, James W. Geographical Dictionary of the Virgin Islands of the United States U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Publication #103, 1955. St. Thomas Public Library. "File on Blackboard's Castle". . Map Collection. Taylor, Charles E. Leaflets from the Danish West Indies London: W. M. Dawson & Sons, 1888 2nd PRELIMINARY REVIEW WASO-Form-177 ("R" June 1984) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Skytsborg St. Thomas County VIRGIN ISLANDS Working No. Fed. Reg. Date: Date Due:_______ Action: ___ ACCEPT □ resubmission □ nomination by person or local government lXreturn 7^/Xy/f/ .REJECT. □ owner objection □ appeal Substantive Review: □ sample □ request □ appeal Federal Agency: □ NR decision Reviewer's comments: Remm./Criteria f x Reviewer HQ^pf □___________ Discipline___M ? ^_______ natP /pK^jO^} see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: technical corrections cited below substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location o 3. Classification Category Ownership Status Public Acquisition Accessible Present Use 4, Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? □ yes □ no '1 7. Description Condition n excellent □ good □ fair I I deteriorated □ ruins □ unexposed Check one □ unaitered □ altered Check one □ original site □ moved date. UAUX^ Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance □ summary paragraph □ completeness □ clarity □ alterations/integrity □ dates I I boundary selection ..-fr 8. Significance Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) □ summary paragraph d] completeness CD clarity Q applicable criteria w □ justification of areas checked □ relating significance to the resource □ context □ relationship of integrity to significance 0 justification of exception □ other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: national state local State Historic Preservation Officer signature title date 13. Other □ Maps CH Photographs □ Other Questions concerning this nomination may.be directed to. Signed. Date id Phone: OPO 918-480 Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet SKYTSBOR6 St. Thomas County, VIRGIN ISLANDS Reviewer's Comments Most of the suggestions made in earlier review comments have been addressed in this submission. The meaning of the sentence on page 7/3—"None of the original wooden interior walls of the tower indicate the original locations of the floor levels"—is still not clear to me. The nomination as it stands is incomplete, needing certain basic data. These comments will go through the National Register nomination form item by item. Section No. 4; All nomination forms must be signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. Section No. 6; All blocks must be filled out (this was done correctly on the earlier preliminary review). Section No. 7: All blocks here must be filled out as well (again, this was done on the original submission). The text should be checked against the text in the first preliminary review. There are a number of discrepancies, including the original date of construction. The box for See Continuation Sheet should be checked, since the description continues on additional pages. Section No. 8: If significance is claimed for association with Governor Iverson, block B under applicable National Register Criteria should be checked. If significance as a rare example of early military architecture is claimed (as it probably should be), block C should also be checked. The box for See Continuation Sheet should be checked here too. Include only one copy of this page, having two page 8s, one filled out and one not, is confusing. Section No. 10; It is alright to submit a USGS map later, assuming the time lag is not too great. We do need the latitude and longitude if we don't have the map yet. If you could include some sort of map, indicating the general location of the structure, that would be helpful. Section No. 11; This must be filled out. Photographs; All nominations must include clear, black and white photographs of the property being nominated. Their size can vary from 3 1/2" X 5" to 8" X 10." Interior shots are useful in a case like this, where the interior is significant. The number of photos should be sufficient to show what is important about the building. It is preferable to have the photos printed on fiber-based paper, but resin papers are acceptable if they have a white border around them. Marilyn M. Harper Historian October 16, 1991 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. frM) 0MB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form —' I? ■? ■ L-. o L-' ■?!in :qi LJ This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking “x” in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter “N/A” for “not applicable.” For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1 ■ Name of Property historic name qkytghorg other names/site number Fogarthy's Castle. Kjaer's Castle. Blackbeard's Castle 2. Location street & number 39 Donninaens Cade J not for publication city, town Charlotte Amalie J vicinity state ns Virgin Islands code county St. Thomas code 0100 zip code 00801 3. Classification Ownership of Property l~yl private I I public-local I I public-state I I public-Federal Category of Property Q building(s) I I district I I site rn structure I I object Number of Resources within Property Contributing 1 1 Noncontributing 0 buildings sites structures objects 0 Total Name of related multiple property listing: Charlotte Amalie Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register______0 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this Q nomination d] request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National-Hegister of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In m/OBfnioii^&^pertv [x]meets CUdoes not meet the National Register criteria. Idsee continuation sheet. Slgnat0l7of certifying official Dppartmpnt of Planning & Natural Resources Date State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property EH meets EH does not meet the National Register criteria. EH See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification I, hereby, certify that this property is: EiH^tered in the National Register. I I See continuation sheet. I I determined eligible for the National Register. EH See continuation sheet. -7/ EH determined not eligible for the National Register. 1 removed from the National Register. ] other, (explain:)_________________ Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) npfpngp - Military Farility___________ Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Recreation - Monument______________ 7. Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Materials (enter categories from instructions) Papjch Pr>|r>nial - Military ^tnne Tower foundation Stone - Limestone walls____ Stone - Limestone roof. other. Describe present and historic physical appearance. Skytsborg, commonly referred to as Blackbeard's Castle, is situated on Government Hill (formerly called Baggaertsbjerg in the 17th century) overlooking Charlotte Amalie and the St. Thomas Harbor. This fortified stone tower, constructed in 1679, is slightly ovoid in ground plan, 20 feet in diameter at the base and tapering to 17' 8" at the top of the parapet. The interior of the tower originally had three wooden floors. The original levels are clearly identified by projecting stone ledges on the interior side of the tapered stone wall. The total height of the tower is 31' 6". The walls of the tower are constructed of masonry rubble, 53" thick at the base and tapering to 40" at the edge of the parapet. The exterior and interior surfaces of the walls were originally covered with a thin coat of lime plaster and whitewashed. Traces of this plaster exist on the interior surfaces of the tower, although this covering does not exist on the exterior surface. The tower is entered from the north, through a four-foot wide, seven-foot high elliptical arched entrance. The entrance has three stone steps leading into the'tower, and the entrance opeining is faced with brick. The wooden entrance door and metal fittings are modern, but are in character with the tower. [>n See continuation sheet NPS Form 10^00« (M6) 0MB Approve No. 10244)018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page The first floor room is 9 feet high. Nine brick lined, gun ports (6" x 9") are arranged in a radial pattern throughout the first floor room, seven feet above the present floor level. This would indicate that there once existed a wooden platform along the inner wall to serve as a firing platform for the gun ports. The floor of the first floor room is constructed of stone set in concrete. The second floor room is 7' 1" high. Thirteen brick lined gun ports, similar in size to those in the first floor foom are arranged in a radial pattern. They are six feet above the present floor level. There is also a larger gun port or embrasure, measuring 14" x 26", set 45" about the floor level in the south face of the tower. This is probably one of two embrasures cut into the existing tower in 1688, for cannons to command Charlotte Amalie Harbor and protect the north approaches to Christiansfort. The floor of the second floor room is made of reinforced concrete. The third floor room is 7' high. Thirteen brick lined gun ports repeat the radial pattern found on the second floor room. The floor of the third floor room Is made of reinforced concrete. The fourth floor room is 7' high. The tower walls are pierced by eight gun ports. Seven gun ports measure 12" x 16", while the eighth one is 12" x 30". This latter gun port is on the north face of the tower and probably served a small cannon to protect the tower from the hills above. NP8 Fonti 1MOO* (MO 0MB Appmitl No. f OMOOr* United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page Originally the fourth floor room was an open observation and gun platform. It was covered with a wooden roof in the 19th century when the tower served as an astronomical observatory. This roof was replaced in the 20th century with a modern wooden roof below the parapet wall. The floor of the fourth floor room is made of reinforced concrete. A circular metal stair permits access to all floors. The original 17th century stone masonry construction of the tower and brick facing for the entrance and gun ports of the tower are in excellent shape. None of the original wooden interior floors are extant, although stone projections on the interior walls of the tower indicate the original locations of the floor levels. All wooden floors and stairs were replaced with reinforced concrete and a circular metal staircase in the 19th century. A modern roof was installed in the top floor in the 20th century. 8. Statement of Significance Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: [3 nationally I I statewide Applicable National Register Criteria Qa Qb Hc I |p ]A ] locally Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) B Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Fxploration/Settlement Mi I itary D De Df Dg Period of Significance Early Danish Colinial Settlement 1679-1700 Significant Dates 1fi7Q Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person r.nvernnr Jorqen Iverson Architect/Builder N/A State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. Skytsborg, or Blackbeard's Castle, is a medieval style fortified tower constructed in 1679 by the Danish colonial government as part of a network of defensive fortifications to protect St . Thomas. It is the best remaining example of 17th century Danish colonial military architecture in the United States, and is the only 17th century fortified tower in the Caribbean. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Skytsborg has its roots in the earliest history of the Danish Virgin Islands. In 1678, war having broken out between France and Denmark, the French settlers of neighboring St. Croix launched an attempt to seize St. Thomas Island. Fortunately, Governor Jorgen Iverson, since arrival in 1672, undertook to constructed a large four-sided fort at the harbors edge of Charlotte Amalie the capital of St. Thomas, called Christiansfort, (designed an NHL in 1977). As the attackers did not have an siege cannon this structure was easily able to withstand the brief siege imposed by the French from St. Croix, who were forced to retreat. One of the main features of Christiansfort was a squat three story high tower named Trygborg on the north side of the fort. Twenty-six and one half feet high and 90 feet in circumfrence the tower was intended as a self-contained last ditch defensive position if an enemy carried the outer walls of Christianstfort. Q See continuation sheet 9. Major Bibliographical References See Continuation Sheet, Section 9 Page 1 Previous documentation on fiie (NPS): I I preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested I I previously listed in the National Register I I previousiy determined eligible by the National Register I I designated a National Historic Landmark I I recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # I I recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # [x] See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: Q State historic preservation office I I Other State agency I I Federal agency I I Local government I I University I I Other Specify repository: _Q.epartment of Planning & Natural Resources 10. Geographical Data Acreage of property .86 acres UTM References N / A A III I I I I I Zone Easting cl^ L±_l_ 18 20' 44" 64° 56' 50" Northing I I I N. Lat. W. Long B L Zone Easting D L J Northing 3 See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description The nominated property is the tower located at the peak of Government Hill, No. 39 Dronningens Cade, Kings Quarter. The boundary is a circle 30 feet in diameter centered upon the axis of the tower located at 18° 20' 44" North Latitude and 64° 56' 50" West Longtitude. n See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The boundary includes just the area of No. 39 Dronningens Cade that includes the tower. This boundary has been selected to encompass a single portion of a larger parcel of land that is occupied by just Skytsborg tower. n See continuation sheet 11. Form Prepared By rianHpttP i pwi OMBMdl fCOMOt* United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Regiater of Historic Places Registration Form TV p- I, ^ O L-; n r.7 (I f::v 12 i59i NATIONAL This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinsltions of eligibility for individual properties or districts, ^ee in^ril^ns in Guldallnes for Comptef/ng National Registar Forms (National Register Buiietin 16). Complete each item by marking “x” in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A” for "not applicable.” For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property________________ historic name <;kytghr>rg other names/site number Fogarthy's Castle. Kjaer's Castle. Blackbeard's Castle 2. Location __________________________________________ street & number 39 Donningens Cade I I not for publicatiorT city, town r.harintte Amalie 1I vicinity state liq virgin l«;landsCOde county St. Thomas code 0100 zip code 00R01 3. Classification Ownership of Property 3 private Z] public-local U public-state I public-Federal Category of Property 3 building(s) ^ district Hsite 3 structure 3 object Number of Resources within Property Contributing 1 1 Noncontributing 0 buildings sites structures objects 0 Total Name of related multiple property listing: Charlotte Amalie_______________ Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register______0 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this Q nomination CH request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the NationaPRegister of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In m/oBmiofJ^ai^Dertv [2 meets [HI does not meet the National Register criteria. IH See continuation sheet. /c/as/9/ SignatilfB^f certifying official Hppartmpnt nf Planning S Natural Resources Date State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property I I meets EUdoes not meet the National Register criteria. 113 See continuation shoot. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification I, hereby, certify that this property is: I I entered in the Nationai Register. I I See continuation sheet. □ determined eligible for the National Register. □ See continuation shoot. □ determined not eligible for the National Register. J removed from the National Register, other, (explain:)_________________ Signature of the Keeper Date of Action % / 34 /34I7 (Resource Name) (Reference Number[s]) ViMik IsUkzfJ (Date Form Completed) VJftdC (County) (StateK (Completed by) STATUS: 1. MISSING 2. REMOVED/DEMOLISHED 3. NHL ^ 4.TR 5. MRA 6.0VERSIZED 7. NPS UNDOCUMENTED 8. DOE- OWNER OBJECTION 9. RESTRICTED EXPLANATION: 1. Missing Status: Entire Folder ( ); Nomination ( ); Map(s) ( ); Photos ( ); Available on: Microfiche ( ); Optical Disk ( ); 2. / / (Cause for Removal) (Date Removed) / / (NHL Narrte, if differeM than NRHP Name) 4. (Date Designated) (If Multi-state/county TR, state/county where filed and location) (TR or MRA Name) S. (If Multi-state/county MRA, state/county where filed and location) 6. (Location of oversize file) 7. / / (Current source of partial documentation) (Target Date) COMMMENTS: (Where found or source of replacement) / (Date Found/Replaced) National Park Service National Register of Historic Place Locator Card