Geographical and historical
data of the Parish of St Ann in Jamaica
The parish of St Ann is situated on the northern side of the
Island of Jamaica. It has an area of 481 square miles and
approximately 25 miles of coastline much of which
has been developed for the tourist and holiday industry.
St Ann’s Bay is the capital of the parish and Ocho
Rios, 7 miles east of St Ann is the largest tourist resort
area
and home of the famous Dunn’s River falls where water
cascades over rock terraces through pools to the sea. Climbing
the terraces of Dunn’s River Falls is a must for Jamaicans
and tourists visiting the island.
With its lush vegetation, variety of fruits and vegetables
and its outstanding natural beauty, the parish of St Ann
is known
as the garden parish of Jamaica. From its coastal plains
with large sugar, coconut, banana, pineapple and citrus
fruits
plantations and agricultural estates, the parish rises upwards
to the mountains
which run from east to west across the centre of the island.
In the cooler, wetter mountain areas, coffee is grown and
some of the world’s largest bauxite deposits are to
be found.
Not surprisingly many famous people, historical events and
scenic attractions are associated with the parish.
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Christopher Columbus is reputed to have landed
in Discovery Bay on his first visit to the island in May
1494. |
| • |
In 1509 Juan de Esquivel, the first Spanish Governor of
Jamaica, founded Sevilla Nueva about a mile to the west
of St Ann’s Bay, as the island’s first capital.
In 1957 a bronze monument of Columbus, cast in his native
city of Genoa, was erected on the site of this first capital. |
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Ysassi, the last Spanish Governor fled to Cuba from Runaway
Bay after being defeated by the British in 1655 |
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Runaway Bay is also associated with its reputation for
being the point of departure for runaway slaves. Seven miles
of underground passageway known as Runaway Caves, were rediscovered
in1838. They are believed to have been first used by Jamaica’s
earliest inhabitants, the Arawak Indians and in later years
by pirates and smugglers as well as a place of refuge for
runaway slaves. |
| • |
The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, one of Jamaica’s
seven national heroes was born in St Ann’s Bay. |
| • |
Bob Marley the legendary Rastafarian reggae star was born
and is buried in a ornate marble tomb in the village of
Nine Miles in the hills of St Ann. |
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| Estates and gardens well worth visiting
when in St Ann include |
| • |
Carnosa Gardens - covers over t20
acres and has f14 waterfalls, lily ponds, an
aviary and a restaurant amongst its many attractions. |
| • |
Shaw Park Gardens |
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Drax Hall |
| • |
Prospect Plantation |
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Firefly - home of the late Noel Coward |
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Gloucester
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