This archipelago got its name in 1493 in honor of St. Ursula & her followers
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Jeopardy! presented a Final Jeopardy clue in the category Island Names, offering a challenge rooted in both geography and religious history. The clue read: “This archipelago got its name in 1493 in honor of St. Ursula & her followers.” A historical reference with ties to early European exploration, the clue tested players’ knowledge of naming origins and colonial voyages.
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What is the Virgin Islands?
The correct response to this Final Jeopardy clue is: What are the Virgin Islands? The answer refers to the group of islands in the Caribbean Sea that were named by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the Americas in 1493. When he came across the island chain, he was reminded of the legend of Saint Ursula and the 11,000 virgins. Inspired by this tale, he chose a name that reflected their memory.
The Virgin Islands are divided into two main political territories today: the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). While the islands have a rich indigenous and colonial history, their European naming was directly linked to this Catholic legend, a common practice of explorers during the Age of Discovery to embed Christian references in the new territories they encountered.
The Legend Behind the Name
The story of St. Ursula originates from Christian tradition. According to the legend, Ursula was a British princess who, along with a large group of virginal handmaidens, embarked on a pilgrimage across Europe. Upon reaching Cologne, they were said to have been martyred by Huns for refusing to renounce their faith or their chastity. Though historical records on the actual number of companions vary, medieval sources later inflated the number to as many as 11,000.
This tale was well known in Europe by the late 15th century, and Columbus, a devout Catholic, was influenced by these religious stories during his voyages. He chose to name the sprawling archipelago Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes (“Saint Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins”). Over time, this lengthy title was shortened simply to “the Virgin Islands.”
Geographic Composition of the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands consist of more than 50 islands and cays in total. The British Virgin Islands include Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, while the United States Virgin Islands are composed of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix, among others. Though separated politically, the islands are geographically and culturally connected.
Located east of Puerto Rico and west of the Anguilla island group, the Virgin Islands are part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. Their tropical climate and strategic location made them historically important for colonial trade, sugar plantations, and military bases. Today, tourism is a significant part of their economy, with visitors drawn by their beaches, sailing opportunities, and historical sites.
Historical Context of Columbus’ 1493 Voyage
Christopher Columbus’ second voyage to the New World departed from Spain in 1493 with a fleet of 17 ships. Unlike his first expedition, which focused primarily on exploration, the second voyage aimed to establish permanent colonies. It was during this journey that he came upon the Virgin Islands, charting and naming numerous landmasses throughout the Caribbean.
The act of naming islands after religious figures or concepts was a deliberate way to claim the territories on behalf of both the Spanish Crown and the Christian Church. Columbus’ naming of the Virgin Islands fits within this broader pattern of religious symbolism during early European expansion.
Legacy of the Name Today
More than five centuries after Columbus gave them their name, the Virgin Islands remain divided between British and American sovereignty, but the name itself endures as a link to both religious legend and colonial history. The story of St. Ursula, while not universally known today, continues to live on through the archipelago’s name.
In modern times, the islands are celebrated for their natural beauty and are home to diverse cultures and communities. Yet their name serves as a reminder of how history, myth, and religion often intersected in the Age of Exploration, leaving a permanent mark on the global map.
