Free Gut: A Neglected Black Heritage

In sharp contrast to the grand plantations, which have become well-funded museums and tourist sites, Free Gut offers a more personal and layered narrative. While plantation landscapes, often preserved as historical monuments, evoke feelings of loss and oppression, Free Gut tells a story of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of freedom. Unlike the enslaved people bound to the plantations, Free Gut’s inhabitants were free, carving out their lives despite the harsh constraints of colonial rule. Their homes and streets became spaces for community, trade, and emerging independence, providing a glimpse into a past that resisted the enduring legacy of slavery.

In Frederiksted, the parallel neighborhood of Free Gut offers similar scenes. Here, too, poverty and decay dominate, but the area’s heritage persists beneath the surface. Efforts by local organizations like Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) are working to preserve these spaces and their stories, recognizing that these neighborhoods reflect a vital part of St. Croix’s Afro-Caribbean identity. The restoration of these homes is more than just an architectural effort; it is a cultural revival.

The challenges of preserving Free Gut are emblematic of a broader struggle in the Virgin Islands: Financial constraints, competing priorities, and an emphasis on plantation history have left the legacy of Free Gut marginalized. However, this legacy holds great value—not just for local residents but for the broader understanding of Caribbean history.

On March 25, 2022, I had the opportunity to explore the Free Gut area of Frederiksted with Frandelle Gerard. During our visit, we searched for porcelain shards, known as Chaney, in the backyard of a house on Hospital Street that CHANT has acquired for restoration. To hear more about my walk through Frederiksted’s Free Gut with Frandelle Gerard, listen to the Sound Link above.