Very interesting to learn more about the sugar plantations on the island and the history of slave trade here.
I'll admit that I was a little depressed by the sugar plantation, knowing what went on at places like this all over St. John (and the Caribbean in general) is upsetting, but I'm glad the plantation ruins are there to remind us of how we've grown and can continue to grow. The ruins are beautiful, modest, and very interesting. I loved the garden with all the local vegetation!
We visited the plantation after our day at Waterlemon as they share the same parking lot. The Annaberg sugar plantation is located on the top of a hill and offers exceptional views. The stonework of the ruins is beatiful - as is all the stonework on the island. The history of the plantation is posted at various sites detailing how things were made, what certain areas were, and how slavery played a role. There was a woman on site making bread in one of the ruin buildings and a man in a garden handing out fresh coconut and sugar cane.
These ruins are worth a visit- interesting to read the info on the history of the plantation.The views and breeze are great!
The astonishing natural beauty of St. John is its tourist attraction, however, it is worthwhile to spend a half hour or so to become aware of the darker history of the mid-19th century sugar plantations. The ruins are fairly extensive with evidence of recent preservation efforts. The signage is educational focusing on the laborious processing of the sugar, and this of course, speaks of the slave population. The slave quarters, the windmill, and the processing building draw the observer into the stark contrast of a brutal history that somehow doesn't match the beauty of the surrounding views. Much to ponder.
Sugar plantations in the Caribbean - I have read about them for years, but I had never visited one. The signs aren't quite as explanatory as they might have been, and the ruins are pretty... ruined, but it was a unique and important place to visit and I'm glad for the opportunity.
Worth going to - great to tie in a trip here, to Leinster bay and watermelon cay together. They are all in walking distance of each other.
A sad remnant of our history of slavery, but well maintained and explained trail with yet more beautiful views and structures.
Liked the historical site with interpretive signs. Weird burning garbage pile adjacent to it. Bad smell. Does the NPS run it or not?
This is the best preserved sugar mill on the Island, well worth a visit. There are Natl Park guides most of the time to explain the history and layout. The view from the top is beautiful. It is a short hike up from the parking lot, but if you have problems walking you can be dropped off right at the entry.