Key Takeaways:

• Local leaders created a Maroon sanctuary on St. Croix to honor Maronberg history.
• Researchers use old maps and lidar data to predict where Maronberg stood.
• The Maroon community thrived in remote mountains from 1733 to 1848.
• Modern mapping shows Maronberg sites shrank as colonial roads grew.
• Ongoing surveys aim to uncover Maronberg artifacts for education and tours.

The Story of Maronberg on St. Croix

Maronberg was a secret community of escaped slaves. They lived in rugged mountains of St. Croix. The Danish colonists called these runaways Maroons. They used forests and peaks for protection. A Danish missionary noted them in 1767. He wrote that no one could reach them. Historians knew of their story. Yet, they never found where Maronberg was.

Why Maronberg Stayed Hidden

The Maroons chose steep slopes and thick bush. They also set up booby traps to scare pursuers. Small stakes of poisoned wood slowed down soldiers. Moreover, they moved shelters often to stay unseen. Therefore, colonial forces failed many raids. As a result, Maronberg remained safe for over a century.

Modern Tech Helps Find Maronberg

Until recently, the search area was huge. Old elevation maps had low detail. Then, researchers combined colonial maps with new data. They digitized maps from 1750 and 1799. Next, they added high-resolution lidar scans. Lidar uses laser pulses that pass through tree leaves. It shows the exact ground shape beneath forests. Consequently, teams built a digital model of the island.

Transitioning from those early models, experts mapped land visibility, water access and slope. They marked zones with low visibility from roads and towns. Also, they noted areas near streams for fresh water. This approach created a “suitability” map for Maronberg. Interestingly, the map showed fewer safe zones by 1799. The land suitable for hiding shrank by more than 90 percent.

Maronberg Mapping Changes Over Time

In 1750, large swaths of northwest mountains were ideal for Maroons. By 1799, plantations and roads covered more land. Consequently, hiding spots grew scarce. It seems runaways moved on boats to nearby islands. Some went to Puerto Rico and Tortola. Others might have blended into towns. Meanwhile, the maps guide modern surveys.

Next Steps for Maronberg

Now, the U.S. Virgin Islands created a new park. The Maroon Territorial Park spans 2,386 acres. It protects likely areas where Maronberg once thrived. Yet, archaeologists still need proof of camps and tools. Therefore, teams plan to survey top spots on foot. They will dig test pits in key areas. They hope to find bits of pottery, tools or fire pits.

Once they find artifacts, the park can show where Maronberg stood. Then, experts will design tours to teach visitors about their story. These tours could include hiking to lookout points and camp recreations. In the end, Maronberg’s legacy will inspire future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Maronberg?

Maronberg was a hidden settlement of escaped slaves on St. Croix. They lived in mountains to stay free.

How did Maronberg stay secret?

Maronberg residents used thick forests, steep slopes, and booby traps. They also moved shelters often.

What new tools help find Maronberg?

Researchers now use digitized colonial maps and high-resolution lidar scans. These tools reveal hidden terrain features.

When will Maronberg sites open for tours?

After archaeological surveys confirm camp locations, the park will develop educational trails and exhibits.