Friday marked the 39th observance of the slave revolt at the Fortsberg Danish Garrison on St. John. By tradition, local historians lead groups on an island tour with stops at places tied to the story of Nov. 23, 1733.
That was the day that scholars say a group of slaves from the West African Akwamu tribe smuggled cane knives inside a bushel of firewood that they carried uphill to Danish soldiers stationed at the garrison. Six of the seven soldiers they found there were overpowered and killed. A cannon shot fired by the rebels signaled others who were privy to their plans that it was time for them to take action.
When they were done, the island of St. John was in the hands of its enslaved population and remained that way for six months.
For some of those gathered for the Fortsberg history tour, it was the first experience. “This was my very first tour after all these years,” said St. Thomas resident Lynn Mulraine.
For others, like co-originator of the Fortsberg History Tour Gilbert Sprauve, it was a way to keep the Fortsberg story alive in the minds of younger generations.
Getting to the foot of Fortsberg — just outside of Coral Bay — is the easy part. With help from the Samuel family on St. John, walkways and roads have been installed, maintained, and upgraded over the years. But improved access has done little to mitigate the steep, winding path waiting at the top of the hill.
Former Sen. Myron Jackson made his first ascent on Friday. Once inside the fort, he conducted a Yoruba libation ceremony along with Malachi Thomas.
Pouring water (or gin or rum) onto the ground from a ceremonial bowl is a way to honor the ancestors, Jackson said. The officiant called on Kurt Marsh Jr. to begin the recital by naming his ancestors, members of the Samuel family. With each name recited, the crowds said, “Ase.”
History tour organizers then presented Marsh with a plaque to honor his family’s contributions and their continuing efforts to preserve and maintain the way uphill. “This is important Virgin Islands history, important Caribbean and global history, and it is worth the time and the energy we spend,” he said.
The tour included stops at Cruz Bay Harbor, Susannaberg, Catherineberg, Ram’s Head, and Fortsberg Hill.
