Charles Davenport In Jamaica - American eugenicist
by Dan
( United States)
Wellesley,
I am working on a screenplay based on the research travels of American eugenicist Charles Davenport to Jamaica in the 1920s (he made multiple trips). I'm trying to get answers to a few questions:
Assuming he came by way of the United Fruit Company's Great White Fleet, would he have arrived in Port Antonio or Kingston Harbor? It is important that the landing place be bustling with people and have trees.
Which port would bring a traveler most in contact with people and trees and what kind of trees might they be?
Whatever guidance you can give me on these questions would be most appreciated.
I love your website!
Regards,
RESPONSE: by WGHi Dan, based on historical records, see references below, it is possible that Charles Davenport could have arrived in either Port Antonio or Kingston Harbor in the 1920s. However, it's difficult to say for certain which port he arrived at without more specific information about his travel itinerary.
If he arrived on the Great White Fleet, it's more likely that he arrived at Kingston Harbor, as this was a major port of call for the United Fruit Company's ships.
But that said, Port Antonio was also an important port during this time so it is possible that he could have arrived there as well.
In terms of finding a port with both people and trees, again, both Kingston Harbor and Port Antonio would likely fit the bill. Although Kingston's harbor is located in/near the city area, which would have been a bustling urban center in the 1920s, the harbor is also relatively green, with a mix of tropical trees such as coconut palms, mango trees, and royal poincianas.
Port Antonio, on the other hand, is located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica and would have had a more laid-back, tropical feel. The port itself is surrounded by lush vegetation, with more trees such as breadfruit, banana, and coconut palms being common.
But ultimately, it will be up to you to decide which port best fits the needs of your screenplay.
Bear in mind that both Kingston Harbor and Port Antonio have their own unique qualities that could make for very interesting and engaging scenes.
Good luck!
N.b. See also:
Historical Sites in Jamaica &
Parishes In JamaicaReferences:
- "Charles Davenport." American Philosophical Society, n.d. https://www.amphilsoc.org/blog/charles-davenport.
- "Kingston Harbor." Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified August 20, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Kingston-Harbor.
- "Port Antonio." Jamaica Tourist Board, n.d. https://www.visitjamaica.com/places-to-go/portland/port-antonio/.
- "The Great White Fleet." United Fruit Historical Society, n.d. https://www.unitedfruit.org/great-white-fleet/.
Regards,
WG
P.S. Do you have a question as well?
Submit it to us here! With
We've answered well over 2,500 questions answered, so chances are we can help you :-)