Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, but back in the day, Jamaica used to be something very, very different.
The first Jamaicans were the natives who settled in Jamaica around 600 AD. They were young people who had migrated to Jamaica from the northern coast of South America. After living continuously in Jamaica for almost 900 years, the natives were wiped out within 50 years of the Spanish conquest in 1494, due to exploitation by the Spanish settlers, starvation, and a lack of resistance to European diseases. Yes, as you read here, the Spanish settlers did take over Jamaica. They brought plants, animals, people, and culture to Jamaica. Crops from the Mediterranean were introduced, as well as common animals like pigs, horses, and chickens, to provide subsistence to the colonists. Jamaica’s first town was built by the Spanish in Saint Ann’s Bay and was called Sevilla Nueva. In 1538 the Spanish moved the capital of Jamaica to Spanish Town.
Spanish settlers did not stay for long once the Spaniards realized there was no gold to be found here, interest in the island was on longer and Jamaica was seen as being useful only as a source of supplies.. Spain remained in control of Jamaica for more than 150 years and the legacy of this period can still be seen in the historic buildings of Spanish Town and in the many Spanish names assigned to Jamaican rivers, mountains, and towns.
Eventually, Jamaica was left alone and black people started to move and live there. That is the very Jamaica we all have today. (If you never knew Jamaica you now know about Jamaica)
Anonymous • Mar 12, 2024 at 8:42 pm
Jamaica is truly s beautiful island with a rich history!
Karla S. • Jan 14, 2024 at 2:22 pm
This is awesome information Khali. Jamaica is truly an amazing place. You’re a great writer! Keep up this great work of sharing cultural and historical information!
kamoy sterling • Dec 11, 2023 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for highlighting these important facts about our beautiful country Jamaica. You Khali-Nicole has made Jamaica proud!