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Kingston

Kingston Jamaica History and Information

Kingston is very much Jamaica's capital. The city of Kingston dominates Jamaica politically, commercially and culturally. Its estimated 700,000 inhabitants represent almost a third of the entire population.

The capital and largest city in Jamaica, lies on the southeastern coast of the island. One of the leading ports of the West Indies, it exports sugar, rum, molasses, and bananas. Other industries include tourism, oil refining, shoe and clothing manufacturing, and food processing. The average annual temperature is 25 deg C (77 deg F), and yearly rainfall is 813 mm (32 in). The University of the West Indies (1962) is there. Founded in 1692 after nearby Port Royal was destroyed by an earthquake, Kingston became the capital of Jamaica in 1872. Points of interest include Rockfort, a 17th-century fortress; the Church of Saint Thomas; and Headquarters House (18th century).

Kingston is not the sort of resort paradise to be found on the north coast but it offers a great deal more to the traveller who seeks to gain more than a sun tan from a holiday in Jamaica.

Jamaica's first capital under the Spanish occupation was at Spanish Town, some ten miles inland and the island's major centre of trade was at Port Royal at the edge of the harbour which is the seventh largest harbour in the world.

There is very little visible history in Kingston, this is mainly a result of a series of disasters during the 17th century including the tragic earthquake of 1694 and a subsequent fire. However it's long and colourful past has been well documented.

Kingston started as a refuge for the survivors of the earthquake in 1692 that devastated Port Royal, killing 2,000 people and plunging two thirds of the city beneath the sea. Traders began to settle on the mainland and established the original township of Kingston which grew enormously in importance as a port.

Today the original waterfront area along Harbour Street, once redolent with the aromas of colonial West Indian trade in rums and spices has been re-developed and shipping has moved out to Newport West, adjacent to the extensive Kingston Industrial Estate.

A great deal of Kingston is pure shanty town, but it is possible to see striking contrasts, especially in New Kingston, which is situated between the teeming downtown and mid town areas and the fading but still gracious suburbs of St. Andrew. New Kingston, is a business area which embodies the best of modern tropical town planning, graciously combining high rise buildings and well-groomed gardens with the soaring Blue Mountains as a backdrop.

Kingston is home to the seventh largest natural harbour in the world. The port area is a hive of activity and all too frequently the source of hair-raising reports alleging intrigue, corruption and smuggling.

Behind the port, the industrial section is home of some long established and prestigious firms like J. Wray & Nephew, distillers of Appleton Rum, Desnoes and Geddes, brewers of Red Stripe Beer, and Estate Industries, Makers of Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur.

Kingston Map

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