Blackbeard’s Castle, the iconic tower on Government Hill on St. Thomas, is up for sale, according to the website www.estateskytsborg.com. Built in 1679 by the Danes, it was originally called Skytsborg Tower. Its connection to the pirate Blackbeard is apocryphal, although the famed pirate, born Edward Teach, did ply the Caribbean. The owners are asking $18 million for the tower and several other properties in the same vicinity.
According to the website, since 1967, a local family has accumulated and preserved the sites, which include Estate Skytsborg or Blackbeard’s Castle; Haagensen House; Britannia House; Villa Notman; Mendlicott Estate; Hotel 1829; Bank House and the Magens-Pedersen Estate. Currently they are being used as a bed and breakfast.
