Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 687

The famous
99 Steps
and Blackbeard's Castle
The 99 steps are a historical landmark in St.
Thomas. Ballast from the holds of trade ships
were used to construct these steps. Built by
the Danes in the 1700s, it was considered
necessary as the terrain was hilly and the steps
made it easier to get to the top of Government
Hill. At the highest point on the hill is one
of the island’s National Historic Landmarks,
Blackbeard’s Castle, which was used in the
1700s as a watchtower to protect the harbour.
The Castle was originally called Skytsborg.
Blackbeard historical site is now temporarily
closed after Hurricane Irma’s damage in 2017.
The tower and Blackbeard’s statue are still
standing but the other structures are being
rebuilt. Click here for updates [...]