Arthur Fairchild

In 1916 Arthur S. Fairchild purchased 1000 acres of land around Magens Bay for $10,000. In 1946, he generously gifted 56 acres of land, including Magens Bay Beach, the arboretum he had started, and adjoining land for "use of the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity without discrimination of any kind as to race, color, creed, or natural origin".

The text on the plaque near the entrance to Magens Bay reads:

This plaque expresses appreciation and perpetuates the memory of
Arthur S. Fairchild
long time friend and resident of St. Thomas who on December 27, 1947 donated the major portion of Magens Bay Beach and 56 acres of land in perpetuity to the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John.
"The natural beauty and benefits to be preserved for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of the Virgin Islands without discrimination of any kind by reason of race, color or creed."
People of the Virgin Islands