Yo, ho, ho and oh, my! Up on Government Hill, this watchtower, built circa 1678, is known as Blackbeard’s Castle and is literally the stuff of legends. Although it’s open for debate whether the notorious pirate ever used the five-story tower as a lookout, one thing is for certain: Its views are tops. Nearby the flower-lined 99 Steps (technically there are 103), built in the 18th century of ship-ballast brick, lead from historic Kongens Quarter to some more terrific views of the island.
U. S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, Blackbeards Castle.
Walter Bibikow/age fotostock
More Recommendations
Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps
Yo, ho, ho and oh, my! Up on Government Hill, this watchtower, built circa 1678, is known as Blackbeard’s Castle and is literally the stuff of legends. Although it’s open for debate whether the notorious pirate ever used the five-story tower as a lookout, one thing is for certain: Its views are tops. Nearby the flower-lined 99 Steps (technically there are 103), built in the 18th century of ship-ballast brick, lead from historic Kongens Quarter to some more terrific views of the island.
Blackbeard's Castle
Have you been here? Tell us about it below!
99 Steps to BlackBeard’s Castle
Located on a side street in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas are these innocuous looking steps; but they are far from average. The 99 steps (they total 103 actually) lead to Blackbeard’s Castle, one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally built in 1679, local legend has it that the fierce pirate, Edward Teach or Blackbeard used the lookout in furtherance of his piracy. Today the tower is surrounded by a hotel and restaurant.
