Portmore, located approximately 24 km from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, is a major urban settlement in St. Catherine. It consists of northern plains and the limestone hills of Hellshire to the south. Portmore’s boundaries stretch from Passage Fort Drive in the north to Port Henderson Road in the south. Its history is marked by various groups and events that have shaped its development
Early History and Spanish Occupation
Portmore’s history dates back to 900 AD when the Tainos were its first known inhabitants. Evidence of their presence has been found at Port Henderson Hill, Hellshire, and Naggo Head. With Spanish colonization in 1494, the Tainos were decimated. When the Spanish capital moved to Spanish Town, Passage Fort became an important port. The Spanish built haciendas in Port Henderson and Hellshire, leaving remnants of their occupation.
Passage Fort and Attacks
Passage Fort served as a vital port, though its shallow waters limited its capacity for large ships. It was a crucial link…
