Description
The upper section of the print features a regional map that includes Puerto Rico. Each island’s name is elegantly displayed on a scroll. At the top center, just above the title “Virgin Islands,” is the seal of the United States, marking the 1917 acquisition of the islands. The coats of arms of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish monarchy are shown flanking the upper right and left corners. In the foreground, a fleet of historic sailing ships is illustrated, likely symbolizing Columbus’ voyage.
The bottom two-thirds of the print provide a closer view of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, featuring inset illustrations of the cities Charlotte, Amalie, and Christiansted. The cartography of each island is simple with towns, airports, roads, bays, and caves clearly labeled. Surrounding the islands are decorative illustrations of lush vegetation and the coats of arms from the various colonial powers that once ruled them. The blue background of the sea contrasts with the earthy tones of the land, making key features stand out.
This map was published by Island Workshop in 1966. Island Workshop also published a pictorial map of the Bahamas in this same period. Another version of the Virgin Island map was used as the front of a dinner menu for the restaurant on the Sitmar Cruise in the 1960s.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, handling, wear. Later mounted on stiff backing material, appears to be stable and not affecting the map.
References:
“Vintage Sitmar Cruises TSS Fairwind Caribbean W Virgin Islands Map.” Old Souled. https://oldsouled.com/products/vintage-sitmar-cruises-tss-fairwind-caribbean-dinner-menu-w-virgin-islands-map (28 February 2025).
