Jamaica has a rich historical heritage. The first people to come to Jamaica were from Venezuela, known as the Arawaks. They were thought to have come to Jamaica in two major waves, the first in 650 AD, and the second in 900 AD. They were then joined by the Caribs, who came from Guiana. While the Arawaks were a peaceful people, the Caribs were cannibalistic and fierce fighters. Much fighting arose between these two groups. Columbus came to Jamaica in 1494. With him, he brought fear, disease and terror to the Jamaicans. He named the island Jamaica (Land of wood and water) because he heard the natives call it Xaymaca. He brought smallpox and other horrible diseases, to which islanders had no antibodies.  Most of them died out soon after Columbus arrived, and those that didn't were tortured and terrorized by Columbus and his sailors. He then left and returned several years later on his last voyage to the new world. During this voyage, he spent a year stranded on Jamaica trying to rebuild his boats.

Soon after Columbus, in about 1510, there was an influx of Spanish Europeans. The Spanish, under the rule of Jaun de Esquivel, treated the Jamaicans no better than Columbus had and even more of the aboriginal Jamaicans died. At first they settled in a beautiful area near St. Ann's Bay, and made a exquisitely beautiful town named New Seville (after the governor) but then had to move due to the area's climate and swampy conditions. They then settled in present day Spanish Town. They built a beautiful city, with 500 houses and several churches.  Unfortunately, none of this city remains, It rotted away after years of neglect and disuse. The ruins of the city can be seen today.

Below you will find additional information on some of the places that we take our guests:-

•  St. Ann's Bay & Seville Great House This area represents the main stages in the development of Jamaica under the Europeans - Spanish and English. The Great House was built in 1745 on the site of the original Great House by the grandson of Richard Hemmings, the first English owner of the property. Over the years many changes have been made to the original structure. When the last owner died he arranged for the property to be given to the Government of Jamaica. It is now a museum owned by the Jamaica National Trust Commission. It explores the rich history of the Seville site.
   

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• Green Grotto Caves - About 3.2 kilometers east of Discovery Bay is the entrance to this system of caves and tunnels which extend for over 9.6 kilometers. Steps lead down into the chambers where floodlights reveal intriguing dripstone formations of stalagmites and stalactites. A glistening lake 120 feet down is called Green Grotto. Holes let in natural light and air. Boat trips can be taken on the lake which is clear enough for stalactites to be seen growing from the bottom. The Tainos left drawings on the walls. The Spaniards and pirates are believed to have used these caves probably as escape routes. The James Bond movie, Live and Let Die was filmed here.
   

• Columbus Park - (Overlooking the town of discovery Bay) Jamaica’s only open year museum and craft park. Visitors can view historical artifacts such as railway paraphernalia's and water wheel used to power a sugarcane mill, as well as a canoe hollowed Arawak-style from a log. You'll see a tally, used to count bananas carried on men's heads from plantation to ship, as well as a planter's strongbox with a weighted lead base to prevent its theft. It is said that here was the place that Christopher Columbus first dropped anchor when he came to the island in 1494. Pimento trees, from which allspice is produced, dominate the park.

We can be reached at:-

Mobile #: 876-884-7695/776-5051

Home/Fax #: 876-943-2406

Our e-mail Address is went1@cwjamaica.com