CBS News just posted a great article that sheds insight into the fabulous history of St. John. Specificaly, this article looks into the important role that the Rockefeller family played in preserving the virgin nature of the St. John island, preventing over commercialization and development.
"And, if you're wondering, how did a NATIONAL PARK end up with a resort that feels like the kind of place a Rockefeller would stay? Well, it's because Caneel Bay is actually the kind of place a Rockefeller would BUILD.In 1952, Laurance Rockefeller landed on a stretch of St. John, the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. He thought this was one of the most beautiful places he'd ever seen. So he bought it -- a lot of it, at least"
Full article online at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-the-trail-the-virgin-island-that-remained-virgin/