>>U.S. Purchase of Danish Property in 1917 Included Help of Two Virginians
(Undated) -- Two Virginians were involved the last time the United States bought territory from the Dutch. Rebecca Hughes with more.Preview: Voicer Script:
History shows President Woodrow Wilson, from Staunton [[STAN-ton]], saw the strategic value of the Danish territory of the Virgin Islands and sought to purchase it to prevent hostile powers from gaining control. Despite initial resistance from Denmark, the U.S. eventually acquired the islands in 1917 for $25 million. The Cardinal News reports the first U.S. governor of the Virgin Islands, Rear Admiral James Oliver of Charles City County, focused on improving education and inviting the Red Cross to set up operations during his tenure. The acquisition of the Virgin Islands by the U.S. under Wilson's administration holds historical significance and parallels to current geopolitical discussions.