Lawaetz Family Museum, St. Croix USVI
There’s so much rich history to be explored in St. Croix. One may not know where to begin. Whether this is your first trip to St. Croix or you’ve made a return visit to soak in even more of the incredible beauty and history of the island, one place that simply cannot be passed up is the Lawaetz Family Museum.
The land in and of itself is incredibly beautiful. The estate is surrounded by incredibly lush gardens and natural agricultural wonders. One of the most interesting aspects of this family museum is that the interior is full of the traditional décor of the day. Not only is the estate still marvelously intact --thanks in no small part to the St. Croix Landmarks Society-- the family still runs the state, keeping it beautiful and uncorrupted.
The Lawaetz family is one of St. Croix’s most intriguing. Of Danish-Crucian descent, this family is an absolute joy to learn about. Kai and Irene Lawaetz still live in this gorgeous house. In fact, Kai revealed that the home had been his for 75 years of his life --reveling in memories of days long past (sledding down the hills of the Royal Palm fronds).
Upon entering the estate, one is greeted by a bridge (constructed with funds from the USDA Conservation and the Hovensa Oil Refinery). This bridge covers a dried up pool that was once the swimming hole of Kai and his siblings --in fact, where the children got their first swimming lessons. This pool was once the source of fresh spring water leading into a creek that runs through the property. Of course, beyond the bridge another world awaits the lucky visitor to the estate. There are standing ruins on the property of a wind powered sugar mill. There’s also an animal mill that visitors may have the good fortune to explore if they so choose.
The land is covered in incredible trees, plants, flowers, and all manner of flora. One would have to be made of stone not to marvel at the estate’s natural beauty and unbelievable scenery. Covering the 19 acres of unspoiled land, the flora ranges from violets to a hibiscus hybrid that Kai created --the flower is flamboyant and gorgeous, spoiling any observer with its rich colors and incredible size.
Don’t let the beautiful exterior fool you. The land is full of incredible history. In 1896, Kai’s father, Carl Lawaetz, purchased the Estate (known as Estate Little La Grange) and raised crops and cattle on the 400 acres. When purchased, the estate was completely empty save for a mahogany bureau with an Indian holding a bow and arrow carved into the wood dating back to early the 1800s. Three short years later, a hurricane hit St. Croix, causing incredible damage to the estate that Carl had worked so hard to purchase. One is able to see the results of the wreckage; however, the estate (inside and out) has an unforgettable beauty that any visitor will always remember. Amongst the ruins are photos, artifacts, and heirlooms waiting to be discovered by any visitor.