Population: 91,900
Capital: Morant Bay
Major Towns: Port Morant, Yallahs, Seaforth, Golden Grove, Bath
St. Thomas occupies the southeastern tip of Jamaica, spanning 742.8 square kilometers (286.8 square miles). The parish is highly mountainous, with striking ranges such as the Port Royal Mountains and the Queensbury Ridge. Yallahs Hill, an isolated ridge in the south, reaches 2,394 feet above sea level. Its diverse coastal area features rugged cliffs, sandy and gravelly beaches, and expansive wetlands including Cow Bay Swamp, Albion Swamp, and the Great Morass.
Key waterways include the Yallahs River (36.9 km), the Morant River (21.9 km), and the Plantain Garden River (34.9 km)—the only eastward-flowing river in Jamaica—vital for both irrigation and ecosystem balance. St. Thomas is also home to one of Jamaica’s famous therapeutic spas in Bath.
Originally inhabited by the Taino/Arawak people, St. Thomas witnessed early Spanish cattle ranches at Morant Bay and Yallahs. Following the English conquest, settlers from Nevis established the region, though many succumbed to tropical fevers. In 1674, French Admiral Du Casse’s attack on Morant Bay marked a dark chapter in its history, later repelled by local militias and reinforced by Spanish Town troops. The resilient Maroons of St. Thomas, later allied with those in Portland, formed the Windward Maroons.
The Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, led by National Hero Paul Bogle, is a cornerstone of Jamaican history. The brutal suppression of the rebellion resulted in over 430 deaths and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes. These events spurred a Royal Commission investigation, led to the recall of Governor Eyre, and ultimately paved the way for Jamaica’s transition to a Crown Colony.
Agriculture: The economy of St. Thomas is driven by agriculture, with key exports including sugar, bananas, and coconuts, alongside a range of domestic crops produced by small-scale farmers.
Dairy Production: Led by notable enterprises such as Serge Island Dairies, this sector provides essential local employment.
Manufacturing: The parish supports several manufacturing establishments specializing in food processing and electrical equipment, benefiting from its proximity to Kingston.
St. Thomas continues to evolve by blending its tumultuous past with modern development and sustainable agricultural practices, making it a unique and significant part of Jamaica.