What Is Reef Bay Great House Historic District?
The Reef Bay Great House is the most significant example of West Indian architecture in Virgin Islands National Park!
What Makes It Historical?
Not a lot of records exist from the sugar days of the Danish West Indies, but what’s known for sure is this classical revival building was once the great house of Par Force Estate, surrounded by a servants’ house, stable, privy, and well, and intentionally landscaped! It was likely built for John Vetter, who acquired both the Par Force and Reef Bay Estates, and completely consumed the existing great house, whose base can still be found inside!
Par Force was on the maps as early as 1780, owned by Anthony Zytzema, who ran a horse mill for processing sugar! After he died in 1792, the estate changed hands until John Vetter acquired it just ahead of 1830 and passed it to A.K. Vetter three years later. During this time, the great house was built, and the year it was sold to A.M. Porth, 1844, is registered on the gate posts! When William H. Marsh bought the estate at auction and began to expand over the whole valley, Par Force fell out of use and was replaced by Reef Bay, which now characterizes the structures and the trail!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Virgin Islands National Park!
- Donate to Virgin Islands National Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
1 1/2 miles south of Centerline Road on the Reef Bay Trail!
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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