..Our unique culture and history reflect the West
African, Danish, Spanish, Irish, Polish, and German
heritage of those who have made the U.S. Virgin
Islands their home since the late 1400s. The rhythms
and lyrics of Virgin Island music--including calypso, cariso, soca, reggae, and steel pan melodies--are
colorful reminders of our past. Virgin Islanders also
express themselves in painting, drawing, sculpture,
and photography. The great Impressionist Camille
Pissarro is just one of the Virgin Islands'
distinguished artists...
...The history of the U.S. Virgin Islands is as rich
as its people. Columbus discovered the United States
Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the New World
in 1493. In the centuries that followed, the islands
were ruled by the English, Dutch, French, Spanish,
Knights of Malta, and Danes. During World War One, the
United States bought the islands from Denmark for
$25,000,000 in gold."
from Amazon.com.