Charlotte Amalie (subdistrict), U.S. Virgin Islands in the context of Charlotte Amalie Harbor

Charlotte Amalie Harbor is a major maritime hub located in the subdistrict of Charlotte Amalie, the modern day capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, on the southern coast of St. Thomas. Renowned for its deep-water anchorage and strategic location in the Caribbean, the harbor plays a crucial role in regional tourism, trade, and transportation and military strategy. The harbor is the deepest natural harbor connected to the Anegada Passage (7,550 feet [2,300m]) and the Virgin Islands Basin (area between St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts). The Anegada Passage and Virgin Islands Basin form the deepest channel leading into the Caribbean Basin from the Atlantic Ocean. Because the Charlotte Amalie harbor is the deepest natural connected to this channel, it made Charlotte Amalie a natural choice as a maritime hub and free port. As a free port, Charlotte Amalie has long served as a center for commerce, allowing duty-free trade that attracts businesses and visitors alike.