8 Historical Experiences You Can Only Have In Jamaica
8 HISTORICAL Experiences You Can Only Have In Jamaica
Jamaica is an island drenched in history and culture. A rich historical experience that can be felt in every remnant of the great past. The intimate blending of old and new can be seen seamlessly intertwining at every corner. With old bricks that stand strong, melting and mixing with their younger more spritely neighbours. This results in an array of historical sites just waiting to be explored.
Even before Christopher Columbus walked ashore the new world and made his arrival to the island in 1494; our early predecessors, the Tainos, had cultivated a way of life and being that can still be seen and felt in our current times.
Juxtaposed with modern infrastructure and scattered across the island are remnants of forts, aqueducts, bridges, theaters, statues, lighthouses, caves and railways; all continuing to tell the story of our ancestors. Those who came before. Those who shaped us.
In today's blog post I highlight a few historical experiences that truly gives visitor a snesk peek back in time to experience Jamaica of the past.
1. Fort Charles, Kingston
In the time when pirates roamed the seven seas and Jamaica was thought of as the richest and wickedest place in the world, Fort Charles was the armour that maintained the country's strong economic and military presence in the new world. That is until God decided to intervene.
A day trip to Fort Charles is a history lover's dream. From tales of piracy and a museum of preserved artefacts, Fort Charles is like a portal into a time when Jamaica was more than just a sprint factory and home to amazing musicians.
Related: FORT CHARLES: REMNANTS OF A SUNKEN PIRATES’ PARADISE
2. Devon House, Kingston
Built in 1881, Devon House is the former residence of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. This 11 acre property is one of Jamaica’s most celebrated landmarks. The Georgian style house is centrally located in the heart of Kingston and is surrounded by lush foliage that adds the feeling of serenity and calm to the environment.
A day tour of the property will see you exploring the nine room mansion for a bit of a walk through time. And when the tour is over, visitors can stop off and grab some ice cream from the world famous Devon House ice cream shop (ranked one of the best ice creams in the world. My personal favourite is Pralines and cream. But the signature Devon Stout ice cream is also a banger). You can also explore the on property shops, dine at the fabulous restaurants (a patty by the Devon House Bakery is absolutely scrumptious) or just relax and have a picnic on the lawns.
3. Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay
Slavery is one of the most notable parts of Jamaica’s history. Many of the huge sugar cane plantations, great houses and aqueducts that were owned by the wealthy whites until slavery was abolished in 1838 are still standing to this day. Some have been transformed into venues for events and historical tours. Others have built onsite restaurants providing meals with a view. But, none is more famous than that of Rose Hall Great House.
The legend of Annie Palmer, the white witch of Rose Hall has been used to scare little children for as long as I can remember. Infamous for her cruel ways and the slew of dead husbands she left in her wake, a trip to Rose Hall will reveal why Annie Palmer is one of the most feared women in Jamaica’s history.
4. Green Grotto Caves, St. Ann
Oh the stories these caves could tell if they were able to speak. These caves have seen the faces of many of Jamaica's inhabitants, starting with the earliest residents, the Tainos, to its most modern visitors. From acting as a water source to being transformed into a popular disco, these caves have gone through many phases in its long life and a guided tour is perfect for a unique walk down memory lane.
Related: DISCOVERING THE HIDDEN STORY OF THE GREEN GROTTO CAVES
5. Lover’s Leap, St. Elizabeth
A story of star crossed lovers, a daring escape and a love so strong that they’d rather die than be apart. Sounds familiar? No this is not the story of Romeo and Juliet but rather a love story between two slaves. Set on the backdrop of beautiful scenery and breathtaking views, legend has it that two slaves fell in love and wish to be together. However, a jealous plantation owner wanted the young woman for himself. So rather than risking being separated, the two slaves ran away and plunged to their deaths hand in hand so their love could last throughout time.
6. Moore Town/Nanny Falls, Portland
Moore Town is a maroon settlement located in the Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains of Portland, Jamaica. For those of you who aren’t familiar, maroons were the descendants of African slaves who managed to escape captivity and build a settlement away from slavery. They often mixed with the Tainos or other Amerindian groups to established a mixed settlement of escapes from the colonial masters. After much feuding with colonial rulers, treaties were signed and maroons were given established land settlements and allowed them to have autonomy for these areas. A few maroon settlements still remain such as Accompong in St. Elizabeth and Charles Town in Portland. However, I chose to highlight Moore Town (formerly Nanny Town) because of the cascade waterfalls that accompanies a trip to this historical site. What’s better than an authentic cultural experience blended with a wistful walk through nature and a refreshing waterfall chill at the end of it all.
7. Discovery Bay/ Columbus Park, St. Ann
The small coastal town of Discovery Bay is rumored to be the place when Christopher Columbus first landed on Jamaican soil. Set on 3 acres of Discovery Bay is Columbus Park, an open-air historical and archaeological museum that often serves as a rest stop for travelers who want to take in a wonderful view while immersing themselves in a bit of history. There you will find ruins from Jamaica’s Spanish colonization, displays of artefacts, relics and other tools of the past.
8. Appleton Estate Rum Tour, St. Elizabeth
From sugar cane fields to bars around the world; Jamaica’s Appleton Estate Rum is one of the oldest and most beloved spirits worldwide. And the Appleton Estate Rum Tour is but a small gateway into the making of a premium delicacy that is crafted in the valleys of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
This curated experience takes you on a walk through time (literal walking involved); and showcases the intricate and intimate process of rum making of the then and the now.