St. Ann

St. Ann, Jamaica’s largest parish, is located on the northern side of the island, bordered by St. Mary, Trelawny, St. Catherine, and Clarendon. Known for its red soil and bauxite deposits, the parish features notable caves like Green Grotto Caves and Bat Cave.

Origins
First named Santa Ana by the Spaniards, St. Ann is dubbed the “Garden Parish” due to its natural beauty. Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica here in 1494, naming the area Santa Gloria. Over time, it became Discovery Bay.

Sevilla La Nueva: Jamaica’s First Capital
Sevilla La Nueva, or New Seville, was established by Spaniards in 1509 under Juan de Esquivel, the first Spanish governor. Buildings like a monastery and a cathedral were constructed. The encomienda system, which enslaved Arawaks, led to their decimation. By 1513, African slaves were introduced, marking the start of the transatlantic slave trade in Jamaica. Today, Seville remains an archaeological site reflecting the Taino, African, Spanish, and English heritage.

English Influence
Under English rule, Santa Ana was renamed St. Ann’s Bay, possibly after Lady Anne Hyde. The town became a vital fishing port and the parish capital, known for its banana and bauxite exports. Although Ocho Rios later surpassed it as a tourist hub, St. Ann’s Bay remains historically significant with sites like the St. Ann’s Bay Parish Church and Old Jailhouse.

Modern St. Ann
The parish transitioned from a small market town to a significant player in Jamaica’s bauxite industry, led by Noranda. Free villages, such as Clarksonville, emerged post-emancipation, reflecting St. Ann’s role in Jamaica’s social evolution.

Tourism
Tourism is a key economic driver in St. Ann. The Urban Development Corporation initiated major projects in the 1960s, reclaiming land in Ocho Rios for hotels and resorts. Developments like Turtle Beach’s cruise ship pier and the establishment of all-inclusive hotels, such as Couples Tower Isle, bolstered the parish’s reputation as a premier Caribbean destination.

Notable Sites

• Ocho Rios Fort: A 17th-century fort built for defense against French attacks.
• Cardiff Hall Great House: Constructed in 1789, it reflects colonial architecture.
• Seville Heritage Park: Features artifacts from Taino, African, Spanish, and English cultures.
• 32 Market Street: Birthplace of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero.
• St. Ann Parish Church: Consecrated in 1871, a symbol of religious heritage.
• The Old Jail: Jamaica’s first prison, converted from a fort in 1750.