Jamaica > Jamaica on Foot

Downtown Kingston Heritage

The heartbeat of Jamaica, Kingston sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean, North and Latin America, and is the largest English-speaking city south of Florida. Founded in 1692 as a refuge for Port Royal residents shaken by the massive earthquake, Kingston has had a long, tumultuous past. In 1872, the city became the capital of Jamaica and has since then been the cultural, economic and social centre of the island. Walking along Kingston’s streets, you will see and learn much about Jamaica, its history and culture. Nowhere in the capital is this truer than on the busy streets of Downtown Kingston, lined with many of the island’s most historic buildings and monuments. As well as having a wealth of historic sights, Downtown Kingston is also a bustling business district with busy roadways and crowded sidewalks. Walking along its streets you may witness the vibrancy, brashness and unpredictability of our urban lifestyle. In order to ensure you don’t miss any of the important sights, it’s best to have a local guide accompany you on your walking tour.

Start: National Heroes’ Park
Finish: National Gallery/African-Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ)
Distance/Time: 2-2.5 km (1.2-1.5 miles)

The Tour

Tips: Although easily manageable, this is a relatively long walking tour. Please feel free to create a driving tour of Downtown Kingston, visiting the sights we have mentioned in the comfort of a motor vehicle.

The tour begins at the southern end of National Hero’s Park.

NATIONAL HEROES’ PARK
This 74-acre park was established on the former site of the Kingston Race Course and initially called the George VI Memorial Park, in honour of the late King of England. After Jamaica gained its independence from Britain in 1962, the park was redesigned and its name was changed to National Heroes Park. It now serves as the resting place of three of Jamaica’s national heroes: Marcus Garvey, Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Washington Manley. It also holds several sculptures commemorating the lives of Jamaica’s national heroes, and a cemetery, where such Jamaican luminaries as past Prime Ministers Michael Manley and Sir Donald Sangster are buried.

The Jamaica War Memorial or Cenotaph, erected in tribute to those soldiers who died during World War I and II, is also located in National Heroes Park. There is a Cenotaph in each parish capital, but this is the largest one in the island, weighing 1.5 tons. Members of the island’s Defence Force maintain a constant vigil at the Cenotaph and the changing of the guard is an event to watch! A ceremonial changing of the guard, complete with music by the Jamaica Military Band, takes place on the first Sunday of every month at 9:00 a.m. Additionally, every morning ceremonial guards are on duty for one hour, starting at 8:00 a.m. During this hour they perform a series of drills, to the delight of the viewing public.

As you leave the park, walk southward along East Street. At the intersection with North Street (the former north-eastern boundary of the city) stand the offices of…

THE GLEANER COMPANY
The Daily Gleaner, Jamaica’s premier daily newspaper since September 1834, is a veritable steward of the island’s history, chronicling her daily events for over 160 years. Tours of the plant may be arranged by calling the Gleaner Company in advance.

Continue, turning westerly along North Street until you arrive at the intersection with Duke Street. Turn south along Duke Street (at the Moravian church) and stop at the Jewish Synagogue on the left.

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