Transfer Day

Transfer Day

Last Monday in March

On March 31, 1917, the U.S. government formally purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark for the sum of $25 million—about $295 an acre. Located about 34 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands consist of about 50 small islets and cays in addition to the three large islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The United States purchased them primarily for their strategic importance, and they are still considered a vital key to the defense of the Panama Canal Zone and the Caribbean.
Transfer Day is usually observed with a parade and other public festivities. There was a major celebration in 1967, 50 years after the transfer took place, with events that underscored Danish-American friendship and a reenactment of the original transfer ceremony of 1917. The climax of the year-long semi-centennial celebration came when the governors of all 50 states as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa landed in St. Thomas for the 59th National Governors' Conference. Danish-American Week was observed at the same time.

CONTACTS:
The Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20540
202-707-5000; fax: 202-707-8366
www.loc.gov

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 244
AnnivHol-2000, p. 53

Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, Fourth Edition. © 2010 by Omnigraphics, Inc.