Jamaica’s colonial history began with the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the island in 1494. But even with the Spanish crown’s takeover of the island, it was something of a backwater for the next few decades, being used chiefly as a supply base for food and animal hides. The Spaniards introduced the first African slaves to Jamaica, as well as now-popularly cultivated crops such as oranges, limes and avocados.
The end of Spanish rule in Jamaica came in 1655 by way of a British expedition under Admiral Sir William Penn and General Robert Venables. During the British slave trade, Jamaica became one of the world’s busiest slave markets; African slaves outnumbering Europeans 5 to 1. Two centuries later, Parliament declared Jamaica a crown colony in 1866. Sir John Grant, its newly appointed governor, completely reorganized the colony by establishing a police force, a reformed judicial system and a government savings bank. Jams, porridge and the much-loved Easter bun are thought to be relics of the British.
Several famed historical sites in Jamaica still exist through the amalgamation of Spanish and British rule. Keep reading for historical overviews on five of those sites:
Devon House
Kingston’s Devon House mansion is one of Jamaica’s most celebrated historic landmarks. The mansion is the architectural dream of the island’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Stiebel – having made his fortune from gold mining in South America – was one of three wealthy Jamaicans who built elaborate homes during the late 19th century at the corner of Trafalgar and Hope Roads; the corner becoming known as the Millionaire’s Corner.
The Gleaner reports that Lady Musgrave, wife of the then governor was so green with envy at the splendour of Stiebel’s house that she refused to drive past it. Hence, a new road was built to pacify her. That road, known as Lady Musgrave Road still exists in Kingston today.
A beautiful blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture, the Devon House mansion is furnished with an eclectic collection of Jamaican, English and French antique pieces and reproductions. The mansion overlooks lush, green lawns, and was declared a national monument in 1990 by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
A mansion tour includes sampling sweet and savoury treats, ranging from JMD1100.00 – JMD1700.00 per person.
Seville Heritage Park
Considered to be the genesis of Jamaica, Seville, St. Ann is the site of one of the first encounters among the peoples of the Americas, Europe and Africa. Seville was where the Tainos built their houses, fashioned their canoes and fished in the rivers. The Spanish founded Jamaica’s first European capital at Maima, renaming the city Sevilla la Nueva (New Seville), establishing the first church and sugar mill on the island. The Africans built their own village and formed a community. The British – upon capturing the island from the Spanish – established a sugar plantation (still) called Seville.
A tour of the Seville property includes a detailed tour of the [Seville] Great House Museum, and viewings of a replica of a Taino village and a reconstructed enslaved African house, both located on the grounds. Tours last for approximately 45 minutes and can be booked Mondays to Fridays.
Fort Charles
The first fort to be built in Port Royal, Fort Charles was built in the 1650’s-60’s and was originally named Fort Cromwell. Lord Horatio Nelson, Admiral Rodney, Sir Henry Morgan and many other famous men proudly strode this fearsome fort’s ramparts, which boasted as many as 104 cannons and 500 men!
The Fort, which once defended the island from attacks, is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are JMD600.00 and JMD300.00 per local adult and child respectively, and USD15.00and USD8.00 per foreign adult and child respectively.
Firefly House
In 1948, Noel Coward fell in love with Jamaica while vacationing at Ian Fleming’s nearby Goldeneye home. He decided to buy his own house further along the coast, building the property he originally named Blue Harbour, which overlooked the sea. He eventually expanded the main house, built three guest cottages on the grounds, and a swimming pool down by the shore. Blue Harbour quickly became a playground for Coward’s friends and the post-war celebrityset of stage and screen.
By 1955, Blue Harbour became too crowded for Coward to work. He found a site 1,200 feet above Blue Harbour, which he bought for $150.00. He built a simple house for himself, which included an outdoor swimming pool. Coward named the property Firefly, after the fireflies that filled it at night. Firefly enjoys stunning views of Jamaica’s north coast. Snap a photo of yourself beside Noel Coward’s statue while you’re there!
Rio Nuevo Battle Site
St. Mary’s Rio Nuevo is the site of the final battle between Spanish and British forces to determine ultimate possession of Jamaica. After five years of guerrilla warfare led by Spanish governor Arnaldo de Isassi, Jamaica was definitively placed in English hands. Spain formally conceded Jamaica to Britain via the Treaty of Madrid in 1670.
Rio Nuevo lies along the North-South highway, marked by a few small signs built by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, identifying the site of the Battle of Rio Nuevo. There is a monument to all the Jamaicans, both of African and Spanish descent, who fought the invading British unsuccessfully albeit valiantly, on the actual battlefield site.