Last updated: June 5, 2026
Place
Christiansted Grounds D. Hamilton Jackson
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot
D. Hamilton Jackson: A Voice for Change
The bronze bust before you honors one of the most influential figures in Virgin Islands history: David Hamilton Jackson.
By the early 1900s, St. Croix had spent more than two centuries under colonial rule. Opportunities for many island residents were limited, working conditions were often difficult, and strict laws restricted freedom of speech and the press. Change would not come easily.
Born on St. Croix in 1884, Hamilton Jackson believed that the people of the Danish West Indies deserved a voice in their own future. In 1915, he traveled to Denmark to petition the Danish government for the right to establish a free press. His efforts were successful, and later that same year he founded The Herald, the first free newspaper in the Danish West Indies.
Through his writing and activism, Hamilton Jackson advocated for workers' rights, social reforms, and greater political participation. He helped organize labor movements that challenged long-standing inequalities and encouraged residents to speak openly about the issues affecting their communities.
His work marked a turning point in the history of St. Croix. For generations, decisions about the island's future had largely been made by colonial officials, merchants, and distant governments. Hamilton Jackson helped ensure that the voices of ordinary Virgin Islanders could also be heard.
As you continue this tour, you'll encounter buildings that tell the story of trade, government, and colonial power. Hamilton Jackson reminds us that history is not shaped by institutions alone. It is also shaped by individuals willing to challenge injustice, advocate for their communities, and work toward a better future.
Today, he is remembered as a champion of free speech, labor rights, and democracy in the Virgin Islands; a legacy that continues to inspire generations more than a century later.