Grove Place Baobab Tree
Project Designation: Survivor Tree
Location: St. Croix US Virgin Islands (location undisclosed)
Species: Baobab Tree
Approximate Age: 300 years
Condition: Stable, but experiencing challenges due to termite infestation even though this ia natural cycle of healing for the tree, embedded nails, trash and human disturbance, need of pruning and possible soil compaction, challenges due to hurricane damage as well
Story
The Grove Place Baobab on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is no ordinary tree—it’s a living monument that has witnessed nearly three centuries of Virgin Islands history.
Planted around 1750 this majestic baobab has stood through slavery in the Danish West Indies, the 1848 Emancipation day rebellion, the 1878 Fireburn Revolt, the transfer of the islands to the US in 1917, and even the devastating winds of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Beneath its branches, self emancipated men, women and children once rejoiced at the freedom they took by force. And it was under this very tree that the Caribbean’s first labor movement took root in 1913, led by D Hamilton Jackson.
This beloved jumbie tree is now listed on the National Register of Historic Trees, and widely known as the oldest Baobab in the territory, carrying stories of resistance, freedom, celebration, and survival. But as a jumbie tree the Grove place baobab embodies this category of trees defined as sacred, venerated trees imbued with a spiritual connection that have been standing as guardians of culture, magic, and obeah traditions for generations. These spirit trees such as Baobab and Kapok (Silk cotton) trees can also be described as “haunted” for the powerful connections felt in their presence.
Today, local groups like the @chantviorg, @viccc365, @perankhkhamniversity @vitrailalliance, the @St.CroixHikingAssociation, and local ecologists like Olasee Davis are working to protect this survivor tree, clearing debris, adding signage, and soil care to ensure it continues to thrive.
Trees like this are not just part of the landscape; they are guardians of memory and culture. And since baobabs can live for 1000s of years, this tree has many more years of memories yet to be experienced.Please note we are intentionally not sharing the address or UTM coordinates of this tree for its continued safety as these trees are being targeted because of their connection to Black history. But you can visit Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism @chantviorg and check out their heritage tours.
