Population : 211,447 (1991)
Capital : May Pen
Major Towns: Race Course, Frankfield, Porus, Lionel Town, Thompson Town and Alley
Clarendon Parish Overview
Location:
Clarendon, a parish in Jamaica, is centrally located on the southern part of the island, approximately midway between its eastern and western ends. It is part of Middlesex County and shares borders with Manchester to the west, Saint Catherine to the east, and Saint Ann to the north. The capital of Clarendon is May Pen.
History:
Clarendon was named in honor of Sir Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, a celebrated Lord Chancellor. The parish was formed by merging three smaller parishes: St. Dorothy's, Vere, and the original parish of Clarendon. Before this merger, Chapelton served as the capital.
Geography:
Spanning 1,196 square kilometers, Clarendon is Jamaica's third-largest parish. It features predominantly flat plains, interspersed with several rivers, including the Rio Minho, which traverses the entire parish. The Mocho Mountain (200 ft) and Bull Head Mountain range (2,800 ft), the latter being the geographical center of the island, are located in the northern part of the parish. The Vere Plain is another notable geographical feature. Portland Point, the southernmost tip of Jamaica, is situated on a peninsula in Clarendon, which also hosts Jackson Bay Beach, Portland Cottage, and two areas named Rocky Point, one a residential community and the other a port for alumina exports.
Major Industries and Employment:
- Bauxite Mining: Clarendon is rich in bauxite, Jamaica’s primary mineral resource, with mining operations by Jamalco and Alcoa.
- Agriculture: The parish is a significant agricultural hub, producing tobacco, cotton, pimento, ginger, livestock, indigo, bananas, coffee, and cocoa. May Pen is known for citrus packing, particularly 'Trout Hall' oranges. Additionally, there are activities in dairy and fish farming, copper mining, and sugar-cane production.
- The Denbigh Agricultural Showground near May Pen is notable for agricultural events.
Cultural, Historical, and Recreational Sites:
- St. Peter's Church (Alley): One of Jamaica’s oldest churches, founded in 1671, with the current structure dating to around 1715. The church features brick and mortar construction with a distinctive tower.
- Portland Point Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse in Jamaica, standing at 145 feet, located on Portland Ridge at the island’s southernmost point, flashing a white light every 15 seconds.
- Portland Point Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse in Jamaica, standing at 145 feet, located on Portland Ridge at the island’s southernmost point, flashing a white light every 15 seconds.
- Halse Hall Great House: Originally granted to Major Thomas Halse in 1655, this estate evolved into a grand two-storey structure in the late 1740s. It includes elaborate stone steps and a peaked portico, with later additions harmonizing with the original architecture.
- Milk River Spa: Known for its highly radioactive waters, significantly more active than many famous spas worldwide, Milk River Spa is located about 10 miles south of May Pen and is open to the public
- Suttons Railway Station: A Jamaica/Georgian timber house set on a stone base, featuring unique architectural details including handrails with latticework and a cantilevered zinc roof.
- Four Paths Railway Station: A two-storey concrete building from the early 1900s, featuring a combination of aluminium louver and sash windows, with the station master’s quarters on the upper level.
- Claude McKay’s Birthplace: The internationally renowned writer and poet was born in James Hill, Clarendon in 1889. McKay’s early works and contributions to literature, especially during the Harlem Renaissance, are celebrated both locally and internationally.
- May Pen Clock Tower: Constructed of stone and approximately 24 feet tall, the tower commemorates Jamaica’s contributions to World War I, with an inscription honoring the military efforts and struggles of the Jamaican people
Clarendon is rich in natural resources, agricultural productivity, and historical significance, making it a vital and vibrant part of Jamaica.
