Transfer Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Transfer Day falls on March 31 and marks the 1917 transfer of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix from Denmark to the United States. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is a legal holiday and a time for public ceremonies and reflection on the territory’s history.[1][3][4]
A legal holiday on March 31
The Virgin Islands Code lists March 31 as Transfer Day, and the Superior Court recognizes it as a legal holiday. The date stays fixed each year, even when it falls on a weekend.[1]
Government personnel rules provide paid holiday leave for employees’ regularly scheduled work on Transfer Day, unless they are specifically scheduled to work.[2]
The 1917 transfer
The holiday recalls the change in sovereignty of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, then known as the Danish West Indies. Under a convention ratified in January 1917, Denmark ceded the islands to the United States for $25 million in gold coin. The transfer and payment took place on March 31, 1917.[3]
At 4 p.m. that day, the Danish flag was lowered and the American flag raised. The ceremony marked the beginning of U.S. administration and the emergence of what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands. The change of rule is the central historical event behind the holiday.[3][4]
How the territory observes the day
Official observances have included ceremonies, cultural presentations, and historical reenactments across the territory. The Governor’s Office describes these activities as a way to recall the events of 1917 and recognize Virgin Islands heritage.[5]
Transfer Day is also a moment for public reflection on the territory’s history and identity. The Virgin Islands Legislature has used the occasion to recall the flag ceremony and the islands’ emergence under the American flag.[4]
Closures and getting around
Government employees who are not scheduled to work receive paid holiday leave under the personnel rules. Public services may make their own arrangements: the Water and Power Authority has announced closures of its business offices for Transfer Day, while keeping outage reporting and payment options available.[2][6]
Ferry schedules are set by individual operators and can vary. The Port Authority’s schedule notes that a listed early car-ferry departure is not available on weekends or holidays. Check the relevant ferry company and any office or business you plan to visit before setting out.[7]
Transfer Day FAQs
When is Transfer Day?
It is observed every year on March 31.[1]
What does Transfer Day commemorate?
It marks the March 31, 1917, transfer of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix from Denmark to the United States.[3]
Is Transfer Day a day off?
Are shops, banks, and public transport open?
There is no single rule for private businesses, banks, or transport operators. Some ferry departures are not offered on holidays, so check directly with the business or operator before traveling.[7]
Are there public events?
Official observances have included ceremonies, cultural presentations, and historical reenactments across the territory. Check local announcements for event details.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Transfer Day in U.S. Virgin Islands:
- Holidays- Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
- Personnel Rules and Regs- Division of Personnel, Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 4, 1917: File No. 711.5914/544a- Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State
- Transfer Day, a Significant Day in Virgin Islands History- Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands
- Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Announces 109th Anniversary Observance of Transfer Day in the US Virgin Islands- Government of the United States Virgin Islands
- WAPA Offices Closed on Monday in Observance of Transfer Day- Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
- Seaport Schedules- Virgin Islands Port Authority