Two years of restoration work at historic Estate Windsor on St. Croix have transformed the former sugar plantation and dairy farm into a public heritage and recreational space, with an official opening ceremony scheduled for November 8.
The project, spearheaded by the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance, included restoring walking trails, clearing vegetation around historic ruins, planting trees and installing interpretive signage to help visitors learn about the estate's history. An outdoor community learning center has also been established, according to a press release from the organization.
Located in St. Croix's Queen's Quarter, Estate Windsor dates to the island's colonial plantation era. Historical records cited by the Trail Alliance show sugarcane cultivation at the property as early as 1750, while a surviving stone windmill bears an inscription dating its construction to 1756. The property later became part of the Island Dairies farming operation.
Restoration efforts combined historical research into the estate's sugar and dairy operations with extensive physical work to uncover and preserve remnants of the property. According to the Trail Alliance, the site had been obscured by dense vegetation and accumulated debris, including discarded tires, which workers removed to expose historic structures and other features.
New interpretive signage along the restored trails provides information about the estate's past and natural surroundings, while the outdoor learning center offers space for educational activities and community gatherings.
The improvements mean Estate Windsor now “offers visitors opportunities to explore at their own pace, learn about the estate’s history and natural environment, and gather as a community,” the organization's press release stated.
The November 8 opening ceremony will feature activities intended to encourage reflection on the estate's cultural and historical significance. Residents and visitors interested in attending are encouraged to contact the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance for event details and instructions on off-site parking.
The restoration was supported by a grant awarded during the Biden administration and administered through the United States Department of Agriculture.
The project builds on earlier efforts to expand public access to Windsor Farm. In 2022, the Trail Alliance and its partners opened an improved network of walking and biking trails at the property, with support from AARP and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. The latest restoration focuses on preserving and interpreting the estate's historic features while improving opportunities for public education and outdoor recreation.
