October 1 is recognized as Contract Day in the Virgin Islands. The day commemorates the historic Fire Burn revolt that occurred on October 1, 1878, under the trailblazing leadership of Mary “Queen Mary” Thomas, Mathilda “Queen Mathilda” McBean, and Axelline “Queen Agnes” Salomon. These three queens of that era demonstrated their strength and courage as they demanded better pay for plantation workers and stood up for the rights of the masses regarding fair labor practices.
Following the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies, the Labor Act of 1849 was enacted. This Act provided plantation owners with a source of inexpensive labor. It allowed for a laborer to be contracted on the first day of October and to be bound to that plantation until the agreement was severed the following year at the same time. Although laborers were paid, their wages were not the fair pay for a day’s work as provided by the existing Labor Laws. One year later, on Contract Day, the Labor Act of 1849 was repealed as laborers once again gathered and plantation owners feared that the masses would once again revolt.
The promise of improved working conditions and wages also were left unfulfilled year after year. Queens Mary, Mathilda, and Agnes bravely changed this with a revolt notably called the Fire Burn. These women stood up for the rights of the masses regarding fair pay and fair labor practices. Their actions on October 1, 1878, became a permanent and legendary part of our history. Acres of land and property were burned, starting from Fort Frederik and spreading throughout the Western end of St. Croix.
As Virgin Islanders, we are rooted in the resilience, courage, and fearlessness of our ancestors. Historic acts of bravery and sacrifice paved the way for us to stand proudly in our purpose and be empowered by the legacy of trailblazers from our past. Therefore, every year on this day, we continue to pay homage to our ancestors and celebrate all who let their torches burn for the rights that we enjoy.
