Question: how long did denmark rule over the west indies (now united states virgin islands)
Answer: Danish West Indies Dansk Vestindien Colony of Denmark - Norway ( 1754 -- 1814 ) Colony of Denmark ( 1814 -- 1917 ) 1754 -- 1917 Flag of Denmark / Denmark - Norway ( until 1814 ) Coat of arms of Denmark Capital Charlotte Amalie ( 1672 -- 1754 and 1871 -- 1917 ) Christiansted ( 1754 -- 1871 ) Languages Danish , English Political structure Colony of Denmark - Norway ( 1754 -- 1814 ) Colony of Denmark ( 1814 -- 1917 ) Governor - General 1756 -- 66 Christian Leberecht von Prøck ( first ) 1916 -- 17 Henri Konow ( last ) History Sold by the Danish West India Company 1754 Treaty of the Danish West Indies March 31 , 1917 Area