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Virgin Islands National ParkReef Bay Plantation ruins sugar factory.
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Virgin Islands National Park
History & Culture
While many people often associate St. John’s history with the Danish colonization period beginning in 1719, the island’s history dates back several more centuries. Even when Christopher Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands in 1493, native populations had been living there more than 500 years before he arrived.
Wasps, locally called Jack Spaniard in their nest.  

Did You Know?
A wasp common to St. John is called the Jack Spaniard. These paper wasps are not aggressive, but will sting you repeatedly if disturbed. The sting can be quite painful, and should be treated with common sting relief remedies. The discomfort can last three days.

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Last Updated: July 18, 2007 at 16:01 EST