The Grange Estate, Christiansted

The Grange Estate, located on the outskirts of Christiansted, is a historic sugar plantation dating back to the early 18th century. Built in 1733 by James and Ann Lytton, relatives of Alexander Hamilton’s family by marriage, the estate stands as one of the oldest surviving plantation houses on the island. With its coral-limestone walls, wide verandas, and views over the lush hills of Saint Croix, The Grange reflects the architectural and social heritage of the Danish colonial period, when sugar cultivation dominated the local economy.

The estate holds a poignant connection to Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. While Hamilton never lived at The Grange, it is believed to be the burial site of his mother, Rachel Faucette, who died in Christiansted in 1768. Because she was a divorced woman with illegitimate children, Rachel was denied burial in the Anglican cemetery. Instead, her body was laid to rest on The Grange property, which at the time belonged to her relatives, the Lytton family. This personal link gives the estate a unique place in the story of Hamilton’s early life and the hardships he endured growing up on Saint Croix.

Today, The Grange Estate is privately owned and serves as both a historic site and a picturesque venue for weddings and special events. Guided tours invite visitors to explore the estate’s rich history, from its days as a working sugar plantation to the lives of the enslaved people who lived there. The tours also highlight the estate’s poignant connection to Alexander Hamilton's mother.