Jamaican History
By Teri Champigny
Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494, but it is believed that Jamaica was originally inhabited by the Arawak between 1000 and 4000 BC. Today, the Jamaican National Heritage Trust is looking for any evidence of the Arawaks. Some believe that they were gone before the Europeans arrived, and others believe that they were still there, but only survived a short time after the arrival of the Europeans.
While Jamaica was claimed for Spain when Columbus landed there, it was seized by the British in 1655 by William Penn. This William Penn was the father of the famous William Penn of Pennsylvania. While Jamaica was under British rule, it became the top sugar exportation location, producing over 77,000 tons of sugar each year until 1824.
Unfortunately, this mass sugar production and exportation was done with slave labor. Slave labor was originally provided by Africans, and later by Indians and Chinese. Because of constant revolts, slavery was abolished in 1834. Jamaica remained under British rule until 1962, when the country left the Federation of the West Indies. Many of the people who reside in Jamaica today are actually descendants of those slaves.
The country thrived until about 1980. Most of the economy came from tourism and manufacturing, with only a small portion of the income coming from sugar and other agricultural interests until that time. Today, the economy thrives with income produced from agricultural interests, mining, manufacturing, tourism, financial services, and insurance services. However, tourism and mining are the two biggest money makers for Jamaica.
The capital city of Jamaica was Spanish Town, in St. Catherine. It was originally named Santiago de la Vega by the Spanish, but renamed by the British. Spanish Town was the capital until 1872, when Kingston became the capital. Today, Jamaica is divided into three main counties, which are Surrey, Middlesex, and Cornwall.
Surrey which is in the East is made up of the Kingston, Portland, Saint Andrew, and Saint Thomas parishes. Middlesex is made up of the Clarendon, Manchester, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, and Saint Mary parishes. Middlesex is located in the middle of Jamaica.
Cornwall, in the west, is comprised of the Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland parishes. These three counties are just used as ‘descriptions’ today, as they do not have any form of Government that is associated with the counties, only with the parishes.
Most people who travel to Jamaica do so to enjoy the beautiful beaches. But there is also a great deal of history to be enjoyed in Jamaica as well as other sites. Many of the beautiful botanical gardens that exist in Jamaica today were actually established in the 1800’s. This includes the Castleton Garden and the Hope Garden.
When you visit Jamaica, remember that it is rich in history, including history that is tied to Spain, England, and the United States. Take the time to seek out information pertaining to that history, and you will find that you have a greater appreciation for Jamaica – aside from the gorgeous beaches.
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