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Historic Hassel Island
 What was once home to Arawak Indians and grazing land for goats and cattle played an important role in the protection of the harbor. During their brief occupation in 1806, the British erected several edifices on Hassel Island, such as Fort Shipley, Cowell's Battery, Garrison House and Fort Willoughby, constructed atop the old Danish Fort Frederik. It was later used as a signaling station to alert the harbormaster of ship arrivals, a practice that continued up until the 1960s.
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company used Hassel Island as their base of operations in the 1840s and built the Creque Marine Slipway, one of the oldest steam-operated marine railways in existence. Careening Cove in the middle of Hassel Island was a convenient spot to make repairs or clean the hull and was the location of a coaling station well into the 20th century.
Today, 95 percent of Hassel Island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park system. A massive multimillion-dollar cleanup project, the joint efforts of the Virgin Islands National Park, Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, St. Thomas Historical Trust, the Virgin Islands government, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, private residents and local businesses, is slowly restoring Hassel Island's historic and archeological treasures.
The best way to experience Hassel Island is a unique historic kayaking tour with V.I. Ecotours 340-779-2155. Starting at 8:30 a.m., this three-hour adventure begins at their new floating dock at the Frenchtown Marina. A short paddle takes you to Garrison House for an informative talk and a seven-minute hike to explore Fort Willoughby. Kayaking continues through the coaling station dock and Careening Cove to the Creque Marine Slipway. Masks and fins are provided at Garden Bay to explore the underwater ledge running the length of the beach before the short trip back to Frenchtown.
VI Ecotours donates a portion of their proceeds from each tour guest to the Friends of the National Park and the St. Thomas Historical Trust. This donation will give guests a full one-year membership in both organizations, encouraging them to keep an active interest and to lend their support to the preservation of the Virgin Islands for years to come.
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