In 1717 the Danes started huge plantations growing mainly sugar cane for rum. Slaves were forced to work on the plantations, gruelling hours sometimes from 4.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Life was very rough for them and in 1733 the slaves organized a revolt which ultimately led to the abolishment of slavery.
The Annabel Sugar Plantation Ruins near Leinster Bay are the most intact sugar plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands and keep the memory of these grueling times alive. The Virgin Islands National Park Service has prepared a self-guided tour of the historic Annaberg sugar mill ruins. This self-directed walking tour leads you through the slave quarters, village, windmill, rum still and dungeon. It is 1/4 of a mile and it says it will take about 30mins on the sign, well you have to walk very slow for it to take 30 minutes, it is a very easy quick round.
The views are amazing, you will most likely also see deer, mongoose and Iguanas.
The schooner drawings on the dungeon wall may date back more than 100 years. Park experts offer demonstrations in traditional island baking, gardening, weaving and crafting.
This little hike will not fill your day, so afterwards you might take the Leinster Bay trail (1.5miles) for some snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay.