Spanish Virgin Islands

The Spanish Virgin Islands consist of two main islands named Vieques and Culebra. These islands are located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. They sit between the main island of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Geographically, they belong to the archipelago of the Virgin Islands. They are part of the Leeward Islands within the Lesser Antilles. Because they are part of Puerto Rico, they are also called the Puerto Rican Virgin Islands. Residents of Puerto Rico also call Vieques "Isla Nena," which means "girl island."

These islands sit on a unique geological structure. They are part of the Puerto Rico Bank. This is a carbonate platform and insular shelf. It lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Most of the nearby islands sit on the same tectonic plate. This is known as the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands microplate. The islands are separated from Hispaniola by the Mona Passage. They are also separated from the Lesser Antilles by the Anegada Passage.

The history of these islands involves many different nations. Christopher Columbus discovered the archipelago in 1493 during his second voyage. He named the islands Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes. This name honored the legend of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. Over the 17th century, many European powers fought for control. The Dutch, French, English, and Danish all competed for the islands. The English tried to colonize Vieques in 1688 and 1717. They built hamlets, a military fort, and a government. However, the Spanish governor from Puerto Rico sent military expeditions to evict them.

Indigenous people lived on the islands long before Europeans arrived. Archaeological evidence shows people inhabited Vieques 1,500 years before 1493. These inhabitants were brothers to the Taíno people of Puerto Rico. They resisted Spanish plans for colonization and slavery. On Culebra, the first inhabitants were likely Taíno Indians and Caribs. During a rebellion against the Spanish in 1511, Culebra served as a refuge for defeated Taíno Indians. Spain maintained control of these islands through the era of European colonization. This lasted until the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The ownership of the islands changed significantly after the war. On September 19, 1898, the United States took possession of the islands. This happened after the armistice ended military operations. The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, formally ceded the islands to the U.S. In 1903, the U.S. government reserved public lands on Culebra for the U.S. Navy. The military took control of the town of San Ildefonso de la Culebra. They expelled the residents to a small area called Dewey.

The military presence on the islands grew during the 20th century. In 1941, Public Law 13 allocated $35 million for the Vieques Base. Later that year, Public Law 247 allowed the Navy to take more land. By the end of the 1940s, the Navy controlled much of the territory. During World War II, Vieques became a major area for artillery and bombing practice. This military use continued for many decades. The Navy used the island for these training exercises until 2003.

Today, the islands are known for their natural beauty and wildlife. Much of Vieques is now the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The offshore islet of Culebrita is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.

Culebra has an irregular topography and an intricate coastline. Visitors can see high cliffs, coral sand beaches, and mangroves. The highest point on Culebra is Mount Resaca. The islands also feature many lagoons and bays. Notable examples include Laguna Flamenco and Ensenada Honda. Many smaller islands, like Isla Pineiro, sit near the shores.