St. Ann, Jamaica’s largest parish, is located on the northern side of the island, bordered by St. Mary, Trelawny, St. Catherine, and Clarendon. Known for its red soil and bauxite deposits, the parish features notable caves like Green Grotto Caves and Bat Cave.
Origins
First named Santa Ana by the Spaniards, St. Ann is dubbed the “Garden Parish” due to its natural beauty. Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica here in 1494, naming the area Santa Gloria. Over time, it became Discovery Bay.
Sevilla La Nueva: Jamaica’s First Capital
Sevilla La Nueva, or New Seville, was established by Spaniards in 1509 under Juan de Esquivel, the first Spanish governor. Buildings like a monastery and a cathedral were constructed. The encomienda system, which enslaved Arawaks, led to their decimation. By 1513, African slaves were introduced, marking the start of the transatlantic slave trade in Jamaica. Today, Seville remains an archaeological site reflecting the Taino, African, Spanish, and English heri…
