c.

c. 1492 (Legacy): The Virgin Islands archipelago represents a complex geological and cultural transition zone where the Greater Antilles meet the Lesser Antilles. Geologically, these islands are an eastward extension of the central mountain range of Puerto Rico, though they are politically divided today. The chain consists of high volcanic islands like St. Croix and St. John as well as low-lying limestone islands such as Anegada. This diverse physical landscape created a variety of ecological niches for indigenous populations to inhabit and exploit. The archaeological record in this region shows significant influence from the Greater Antilles, leading to the cultural designation of “Eastern Taíno.”