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History of St Mary
A Parish of Beauty & Historical Significance

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blue_hole_attraction_in_st_maryHistory of St Mary | Blue Hole, St. Mary

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Sometimes it is easy to forget about the parish of St. Mary, especially with it being between the more tourist-friendly parishes of St. Ann and Portland. But this small, beautiful parish is more than what meets the eye.

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The History of St Mary

Located on the north coast, St. Mary was among the first parishes to host Spanish settlers when the country was first “discovered”. The region near Puerto Santa Maria became known as St. Mary in 1655 after English soldiers captured Jamaica from the Spanish. The second settlement the Spanish erected on the island was Port Maria, the current parish capital.

When the parishes were re-established, Metcalfe and a portion of St. George were merged with St. Mary to become one. But, the fact that Rio Nuevo in the parish is the location of the most crucial war ever fought in Jamaica is more significant.

In this battle, the English decisively defeated the Spanish for control of the island. 300 Spaniards were killed and over 100 captured in that pivotal battle of 1658, won by the English under Governor D'Oyley, who also secured Jamaica's status as a British colony for the subsequent 300 years.

The worst uprising in Jamaican history began in the area of Port Maria in 1760 and eventually extended to practically the entire island. Tacky, a Frontier Estate-owned Coromantee slave, served as the rebellion's leader. Ammunition was stolen from Fort Haldane, now Grays Charity, and the rebels headed inland.

How did the parish of St. Mary get its name?

According to one version, the Spanish gave it the name Puerto Santa Maria, however, it is more likely that the Spanish called it after Mary, the governor at the time's daughter of Sir Thomas Modyford.

Towns In St. Mary

Port Maria

The English were responsible for transforming Puerto Santa Maria into the lovely seaside town of Port Maria that it is today. This town has a fascinating history and is home to the most monuments, historical sites, and ruins. Locals contend that historians have downplayed Port Maria's significance.

They assert that Columbus and the other Europeans originally invaded Jamaica there, not at Discovery Bay.

Local interests also serve as a reminder that Port Maria served as the centre of commercial activity in Jamaica from the 1800s to the 1940s as a port for the export of first sugar, and later bananas and citrus, before it was destroyed by a series of hurricanes. This was before Kingston had an airport or significant business.

Oracabessa

On the major route to the neighbouring parish of St. Ann, Oracabessa is situated west of Port Maria. The Spanish term "Oro de Cabeza," which translates to "Golden Head," is supposed to have inspired the name Oracabessa. Another significant banana loading port was Oracabessa. The Englishman Ian Fleming, who built his home Golden Eye there and from where he wrote the 13 James Bond thrillers, gave the area its name, which is derived from the Spanish ora Cabeza (golden head).

Annotto Bay

On the western side of the Wag Water River's mouth, one of St. Mary's several rivers is the seacoast village of Annotto Bay. Grays Inn, a wealthy sugar estate once the pride of Annotto Bay, is no longer in operation since bananas have taken the place of sugar as the primary crop. The estate's rusted smoke towers, which once ushered in life, are now vacant.

St. Mary Today

james_bond_beach_oracabessa_side_viewJames Bond Beach

For St. Mary parishioners, tourism has grown in importance as a source of income. Couples Sans Souci, Couples Tower Isle, Golden Eye, and Golden Clouds are a few of St. Mary's most well-known resorts. In addition to emergency airlift and regular passenger service, Ian Fleming International Airport offers private jet service for these opulent residences. James Bond Beach and Reggae Beach are two of St. Mary's most well-liked beaches.

Additionally, well-known dancehall reggae musicians including Capleton, Lady Saw, Ninjaman, Sizzla, and Tanya Stephens were born there. Best-selling author Colin Simpson, the great-great-grandson of renowned abolitionist James Phillippo, well-known Jamaican author and community activist Erna Brodber and the acclaimed music producer Chris Blackwell, who is credited with "discovering" Bob Marley are all notable residents of St. Mary parish.

Additionally, well-known dancehall reggae musicians including Capleton, Lady Saw, Ninjaman, Sizzla, and Tanya Stephens were born there. Best-selling author Colin Simpson, the great-great-grandson of renowned abolitionist James Phillippo, well-known Jamaican author and community activist Erna Brodber and the acclaimed music producer Chris Blackwell, who is credited with "discovering" Bob Marley are all notable residents of St. Mary parish.

Fun Facts About St. Mary

  1. St. Mary is the 5th smallest parish on the island.
  2. One of the most popular snacks in jamaica is St. Mary’s banana chips, and you can guess it, it is made from bananas harvested and manufactured in St. Mary by the JP St. Mary brand.

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Watch Video! The Ramgoat Dashalong Plant

We journeyed to the beautiful St. Mary to meet Maline Stephen, ace female farmer and Tamara of Yitshar Blends.

Return to Jamaican Parishes from History of St Mary
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from History of St Mary

References & Sources For History of St Mary

  1. Global, J. (2020) St. mary jamaica: A historical overview, Jamaica Global Online. Available at: https://www.jamaicaglobalonline.com/st-mary/ (Accessed: November 30, 2022).
  2. Parish Profile: St. mary (no date) Jamaica Information Service. Available at: https://jis.gov.jm/information/parish-profiles/parish-profile-st-mary/#:~:text=In%201655%2C%20after%20the%20English,the%20Spaniards%20on%20the%20island (Accessed: November 30, 2022).
  3. Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Mary_Parish,_Jamaica (Accessed: November 30, 2022).

History of St Mary | Written: November 30, 2022

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