Treaty and Purchase: U.S. Virgin Islands Acquisition from Denmark (1917–present)

1. U.S.–Denmark cession convention signed in New York

   Aug 4, 1916Labels: Robert Lansing, Constantin Brun, Treaty of

   • Treaty DWI

2. U.S. Senate gives advice and consent

   Sep 7, 1916Labels: U S, Advice and

   • Treaty DWI
   • Cornell Law

3. Danish referendum approves sale of islands

   Dec 14, 1916Labels: Danish Referendum, Denmark

   • Treaty DWI

4. Danish parliament ratifies the cession convention

   Dec 22, 1916Labels: Rigsdagen, Denmark

   • Treaty DWI

5. Ratifications exchanged in Washington, D.C.

   Jan 17, 1917Labels: Ratifications Exchange, Washington D

   • Treaty DWI

6. U.S. establishes temporary government framework

   Mar 3, 1917Labels: Congress, Temporary Government

   • Natl Archives
   • VI History

7. Formal transfer ceremony: U.S. takes possession

   Mar 31, 1917Labels: Transfer Day, Virgin Islands

   • LOC History
   • Natl Archives
   • Treaty DWI

8. U.S. citizenship conferred by Act of 1927

   Feb 25, 1927Labels: Act of, U S

   • State FAM
   • US Code notes

9. Congress expands citizenship coverage (1932 act)

   Jun 28, 1932Labels: Act of, Congress

   • US Code notes
   • State FAM

10. Organic Act of 1936 establishes civil government

    Jun 22, 1936Labels: Organic Act, Civil Government

    • Yale Docs
    • VI Legislature

11. Revised Organic Act reorganizes territorial government

    Jul 22, 1954Labels: Revised Organic, Territorial Government

    • Congress gov
    • Cornell Law

12. Virgin Islands Elective Governor Act becomes law

    Aug 23, 1968Labels: Elective Governor, Lyndon B

    • Congress gov
    • Elective Gov

13. Congress authorizes drafting a territorial constitution

    Oct 21, 1976Labels: Public Law, Constitutional Convention

    • Cong Record
    • Cong Rept

14. Virgin Islands Centennial Commission Act enacted

    Sep 29, 2016Labels: Centennial Commission, Congress

    • Cornell Law