Must See Historic Places

Jamaica's Rich Heritage

Jamaica’s multicultural history is best summarized in the national motto: “Out of many, one people.” Bringing together Amerindian, Spanish, British, West African, Chinese and Indian influences, among many others to a lesser degree, Jamaica is a welcoming cultural melting pot. To preserve its history, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust maintains and promotes sites deemed of great historical and cultural significance. For a historical tour of Jamaica, make sure to visit some of the following sites.

Devon House. Located in the heart of Kingston, this 19th-century estate belonged to George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. Today it is an example of Jamaican Georgian architecture, and houses a complex of shops and restaurants, including Chef Norma Shirley famous establishment, Norma’s on the Terrace.

Fort Charles. To relive the days of Port Royal, tour the ramparts of this fort, the first one in the area, established in the late 1650s. The fort houses a museum where you can learn the history of the region, while just outside the fort is the former Royal Navy Station.

National Heroes Park. Once the center of horseracing in Jamaica, this park is the largest open space in Kingston, and has always been one of Jamaica’s most honored places to congregate. In 1973, it was renamed National Heroes Park. Several Jamaican leaders are interred here, such as Norman Manley, a prominent statesman, and Alexander Bustamante, the first prime minister following independence.

Spanish Town. A visit to the historic Spanish Town square takes tourists back 300 years to the height of the British military presence on the island. Around the square you will find a number of historical buildings, such as the Old House of Assembly, the Old Barracks Building and the Cathedral of St. James, the oldest Anglican cathedral in the British Caribbean.

Rose Hall. East of Montego Bay is one of Jamaica’s most visited sites, the Jamaican Georgian-style mansion of the legendary Annie Palmer. Known as the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annie Palmer is said to have murdered at least three of her husbands and numerous slaves in her mansion. The fanciful tales of blood and voodoo amid a stunning atmosphere make this plantation great house a must-see.