Facts about Jamaica - Largest, Longest, Oldest, First

These facts about Jamaica focus on the island's extremes. And since we're an extremely intriguing country, this should be extremely interesting!

First - The first orthodox western religion introduced into Jamaica was the Roman Catholic faith. Spanish settlers who came to the island in 1509 established a church at New Seville, the first capital of Jamaica.

First - Africans first came to Jamaica in 1513. They were brought by the Spaniards to work as slaves on their ranches, known as hatos.

Wickedest - In the mid to late 17th century, Port Royal was known as the wickedest city on earth. At that time it was a rich merchant town, home port of many pirates and buccaneers. In 1692 it was destroyed by an earthquake that sank two thirds of the town.

Oldest - The oldest school in Jamaica is thought to be Wolmer's School in Kingston. It was founded in 1736. Mannings School in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland was established in 1738.

First - The Moravians were the first missionaries to arrive in Jamaica. They landed in Black River, St. Elizabeth in 1754. The first Baptist missionaries were black American ex-slaves who came to Jamaica in 1783.

Oldest - The oldest of the newspapers still being published is the Gleaner. The first issue was published on September 13, 1834 (the year slavery was abolished).

First - The East Indians first came to Jamaica in 1845. The Chinese came in 1854. They came to work as indentured labourers on the sugar plantations.

First - The first people in Jamaica to cultivate amd smoke ganja (marijuana) were
East Indian immigrants. The word 'ganja' is an Indian word, and the concept of it being
holy is a Hindu concept.

Highest - The highest point in Jamaica is Blue Mountain Peak, standing 7,402 feet in the eastern parish of St. Thomas.

Longest - The longest river in Jamaica is the Rio Minho in the parish of Clarendon. (Personally I think the title should be "longest river bed", as parts of this river are often dry!)

Widest - The widest river, which also has the distinction of being navigable for the
longest distance, is the Black River in St. Elizabeth. At 44 miles long, it is home to many crocodiles, birds and fish.

Largest - The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is Jamaica's largest wild animal.

Largest - Some of the largest trees in Jamaica are silk cotton trees. Duppies (spirits) are thought to live between the huge roots of these trees. Dugout canoes were made from the trunks.

First - Jamaica's first international music hit was "My Boy Lollipop" by Millie Small, in 1964. This was before reggae, in a style of music called "ska".

Fastest - Do I need to say it? The fastest Jamaican is Usain Bolt.

Facts about Jamaica - from the important to the trivial
This page gives more interesting facts about Jamaica's people,history, geography, government