Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins

In the 17th and 18th century, St. John grew rich through its sugar plantations, which depended on slave labor. The arduous work including clear-cutting the steep hillsides, terracing the soil, then planting and harvesting the sugarcane. Annaberg was the last working plantation, and today the stone ruins make a very evocative visit—a must. To tour them, you take a short walk up a hill and wander around (about twenty to thirty minutes). You can see the well-preserved mill where the cane stalks were crushed with the aid of horses, and the giant vat where the juice was boiled. The hilltop location, near Trunk Bay, offers fabulous views of Tortola and neighboring islands. Sometimes you can even see sea turtles from the lookout.