Jamaica is an island that is146 miles long, 50 miles wide and is located just 90 miles south of the eastern tip of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. Once apart of the British West Indies, and governed by England, Jamaica was granted independence in 1962. No where on earth will you find a more varied and colorful history.
The original peoples of the island, the Arawak Indians, came to the island from the South American mainland in about 4000 BC. With the arrival of the Europeans the Arawak Indians became extinct. There is very little evidence of their culture left.
Christopher Columbus landed on the island on May 5, 1494, possibly at Discovery Bay, and claimed the island for Spain. He returned to Jamaica briefly in1502. On June 25, 1503 Columbus and his men were beached in St. Ann’s Bay after a hurricane all but destroyed their ships. Columbus and his men were not rescued until June 29, 1504. It was Columbus who brought the slave trade to the West Indies. The Maroons, a band of escaped slaves, still live in the mountains of Jamaica in free communities. They are a culture unto themselves.
In 1655 Admiral William Penn seized the island for England and the production of sugar cane began in earnest. The need for cheap labor spurred on the importation of African slaves. Jamaica had more slave uprisings then any of the other Caribbean islands. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1834, Indian and Chinese indentured servants were brought to Jamaica to fill the need for cheap labor.
Port Royal, located on the southern coast of Jamaica, was a haven for the many pirates during the 17th century. At this time Port Royal was known as, “the richest and wickedest city in the world.” Henry Morgan, the pirate, ruled the area until on June 7, 1692 an earthquake sent Port Royal sliding into the sea. This area is the most important underwater archaeological site in the western hemisphere. The yield from this site has included vast quantities of 17th and early 18th century treasures as well as artifacts representing the indigenous peoples. Port Royal is now an archaeologist’s paradise and all archaeological digs in this area are carefully monitored by the Jamaican Government.
Jamaica remained a crown colony of England until in 1962 Jamaica received independence. Once one understands Jamaica’s history it is easy to see why the island’s motto is, “Out of many, one people.”
Come to Jamaica and let the Caribbean sun kiss your cheeks, the sea’s foam tickle your toes, and the people warm your heart. This is as close to Heaven as you will come on this great earth!
Come to Jamaica and fall in love all over again!
Jamrustic Tours
If you want to really experience all the beauty that is the island of Jamaica, then do it through the eyes of people who call the island home. Andrew, Lisa and Kalif Gordon will show you the real Jamaica, the one that the average tourist never sees.
Join them on an early morning climb to the top of the Blue Mountain and watch the sunrise over the sea. You will see the lush green vegetation flow down the mountain to the sandy beaches and the turquoise blue of the sea. Be sure to bring your camera!
You will also be invited to experience the beauty and the grandeur of Y’s Falls. Cool and serine, the falls will captivate you with their cool waters and lush vegetation.
Do you want to see the most beautiful harbor in the Caribbean? Ask to be taken to Port Antonio for a tour of the harbor, the city and some of the most romantic beaches and coves you will ever see.
At the west end of the island sits Negril with beaches that are snowy white and the water is as clear as it could possibly be. Do you have something special in mind? Just let the Gordon’s know and they will make sure that your dream Jamaican vacation becomes a reality.