Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica

Description

Kingston, the smallest parish in Jamaica, spans 21.8 square kilometers (8.4 square miles), including the Palisadoes strip. It is enveloped by the second smallest parish, St. Andrew, which covers 430.7 square kilometers (166.3 square miles). St. Andrew extends to the Blue Mountain range and is bordered by St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, and St. Catherine.

The Liguanea Plains, shared by Kingston and part of St. Andrew, consist of sands, loams, clays, and gravel, rising from sea level to 700-800 feet within eight miles inland. The incline is gentle, with the steepest slope being less than one degree. St. Andrew features the Hope River, which flows 19.6 kilometers to the sea and supplies the Mona Dam. The plains are framed by Long Mountain to the east, Dallas Mountain further east, and Jacks Hill to the north, with the Port Royal Mountains looming behind. The highest elevation in the area is Catherine's Peak at 1,524 meters. Kingston’s network of gullies efficiently drains the plain during heavy rains, though they can become hazardous.

St. Andrew is rich in natural resources, including significant gypsum deposits and smaller amounts of copper, zinc, lead, manganese, and iron ores.

History

After the devastating earthquake and tidal wave of 1692 destroyed two-thirds of Port Royal, survivors moved to Colonel Barry's Hog Crawle, now Kingston. Kingston was declared a parish in May 1693, and its growth accelerated after a fire destroyed Port Royal in 1703. The town was initially planned on a grid by surveyor John Goffe, with boundaries marked by North, East, West, and Harbour Streets. By 1716, Kingston had become Jamaica's largest town and commercial hub.

Early settlers lived below Parade, combining their homes and businesses, often with lookout towers to monitor incoming ships. Wealthy residents eventually moved to livestock farms, known as "pens," in St. Andrew. These pens were later subdivided into residential lots, and many areas retained the original pen names, such as Vineyard Pen and Greenwich Pen, though 'pen' often became 'town.'

During the American War of Independence (1775-1783), Kingston had a population of 11,000. It flourished during the Napoleonic wars, serving as a trans-shipment port for goods from England to Spanish colonies, and was involved in the lucrative slave trade until its abolition in 1807.

Kingston became a corporation with a mayor and council in 1862, and, following the Morant Bay Rebellion, the administration shifted to a nominated Municipal Board before returning to mayoral control in 1885. Kingston was declared the official capital of Jamaica in 1872, following long lobbying efforts by its merchants.

Kingston has faced numerous disasters, including fires in 1862 and 1882, and an earthquake in 1907, followed by a devastating fire. In 1933, a nine-hour thunderstorm caused significant damage.

St. Andrew became a parish in 1867, reducing Jamaica's parishes from 22 to 14. In 1923, Kingston and St. Andrew were administratively merged.

Kingston's cultural scene included its first theatre on Harbour Street, later relocated to North Parade, where the Ward Theatre now stands. Built in 1774, the theatre hosted international and local performances. The existing structure, rebuilt after the 1907 earthquake, was a gift from Colonel Charles Ward.

Wolmer's School, the island's first free school, was founded in 1736 from a bequest by John Wolmer, whose memorial is in Kingston Parish Church.

Today, Kingston and suburban St. Andrew form a modern metropolis with impressive buildings, an international conference center, theatres, cinemas, a national stadium, and numerous cultural and educational institutions. Despite issues such as pollution, crime, and ghettos, efforts are ongoing to address these problems. Kingston remains Jamaica's commercial capital with modern port facilities and the Norman Manley International Airport.

Major Industries and Employment

Agriculture: Introduced from Martinique in 1728, coffee is Jamaica's second most valuable export crop, with processing plants in Clydesdale and Mavis Bank. The hills of St. Andrew also produce various domestic crops.

Tourism: Kingston offers a range of hotels and attractions, including hiking in the Blue Mountains and a vibrant cultural scene.

Commerce: Kingston hosts the headquarters for Jamaica's commercial banks, insurance companies, lending agencies, building societies, and credit unions. It supports a large population with a robust network of commercial, professional, and trade groups and is one of the largest ports in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Historical, Cultural, and Recreational Sites

Institute of Jamaica: Founded in 1879 to promote literature, science, and art, it houses significant collections, including materials now part of the National Library of Jamaica.
Hope Botanical Gardens: Established in 1881, it boasts the largest collection of botanical plants in the Caribbean, with restoration ongoing after Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
Headquarters House: Built in the mid-18th century, it served various roles, including the seat of the Legislature, and now houses the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Kings House: Originally the Anglican Lord Bishop's residence, it became the Governor-General's residence after extensive renovations post-1907 earthquake.
Kingston Parish Church: Rebuilt after the 1907 earthquake, it features a rich history and notable tombs and sculptures.
National Stadium: Opened in 1962 for Jamaica's Independence, it hosts major sporting and cultural events.
National Heroes Park: Once a racecourse, it is now a burial site for national heroes and prime ministers, featuring memorials and busts.
Vale Royal: The Prime Minister's official residence, originally built in 1694, retains historical significance.
University of the West Indies (UWI): Established in 1948, the Mona campus offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Ward Theatre: A historic venue for local and international performances, it remains a beloved cultural landmark.

Kingston continues to be a dynamic city with a rich history, cultural vibrancy, and ongoing efforts to address modern challenges.