Hassel Island Historical Archive

Creque Marine Slipway

The Creque Marine Railway was constructed in the 1840s by a group of Danish businessmen.  It represents probably the oldest steam operated marine railway in existence.  The engine is original, as are the gears, boilers and structure, although now in poor condition.  The maker's plaque was unfortunately  removed from the engine in the past, but it would appear to have been manufactured in England.  Many parts of the old machines that were run from surplus steam can still be seen.    The railway could originally haul vessels of 200-300 tons, and by the 1870s 1200 tons, accommodating the larger vessels calling on St. Thomas.

Creque Marine Slipway from Postcard @ 1900

Engineers' drawing of Creque Marine Slipway Power House

Creque Marine Slipway before clearing

Creque Marine Slipway during clearing by Sea Tow

Creque Marine Railway Steam Engine

Creque Marine Railway flywheel with steam engine

Creque Marine Railway gear assembly for hauling boats on cradle

Creque Marine Railway Power House after stabilization undertaken by VI National Park Service.

Creque Marine Slipway Powerhouse after stabilization undertaken by VI National Park Service

Creque Marine Slipway anchor uncovered by clearing

Creque Marine Slipway anchors uncovered by clearing

Creque Marine Slipway tracks and ruins of ship cradle

Creque Marine Slipway Machine Shop area with old saddle tanks and machinery

Group of supporters of the St Thomas Historical Trust on a tour of Creque Marine Slipway and Ft. Shipley

Wonderful lunch amid antique machinery catered, by the participants!

Aerial view of Creque Marine Slipway and Ft. Shipley after clearing, courtesy of  VI National Park Service

The on-going struggle to keep the Creque Slipway area clear, as well as Shipley Battery and the trail up to the battery is about to become easier.  Thanks to Alan Wentworth and Sea Tow, the grass at the slipway has at least been kept below the knee!  Soon, thanks to the generosity of Neil and Trudi Prior, the VI National Park Service will have the use of a Bobcat with a brush cutter and other attachments to keep the area clear, and open up new trails on the island.  The Bobcat was purchased through the Trust, and given to VINPS.  It will be kept, along with related equipment in two 20' containers donated by Friends of the VINP, and transported to Hassel Island by the Trust.  We hope eventually to move the containers to the back of the site and incorporate them, with suitable modification, in the landscape plan for the Creque site.

This plan will be developed by an intern to be hired by VINPS and funded by the Trust.  It will include interpretive signs provided by the Friends, and will consist of plantings, paths and appropriate seating areas for the enjoyment of the site.  In addition, VINPS has purchased equipment and materials to begin the stabilization of the old steam operated machinery from the machine shop.  The Trust intends to fund the cost of this effort.  Some of the machinery can be seen in the pictures below.

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