The one port we had not been to before on a cruise
was Falmouth, Jamaica. I have been to
Jamaica once before over 40 years ago aboard a USCG ship but that time it was
in the town of Ocho Rios.
Falmouth was founded
in the early 1700's. During the colonial
period England and Spain fought over possession of the island, with England prevailing
in the end. During this period sugar
cane was the major crop and the island was covered with plantations growing
this crop. Once the Europeans arrived, the native population was forced into slavery for labor across the island.
The town of Falmouth has a brand new cruise terminal
with fancy shops located on the dock premises. Jamaica continues to have some economic
issues, but has a number of good natural resources and interest from some large
countries for integrating it into the international trade route ports.
Our guide told us this is the only coffee served on Air Force one $$$
We chose to visit the Good Hope Plantation about 20
minutes from Falmouth in the hills. The plantation was started in 1774 when
John Tharpe bought the property. At one
point it was the largest plantation on the island with over 9000 acres. Tharpe
owned over 3000 slaves for the many properties he owned. It has a fascinating and complicated history
to lengthy to discuss. But a primer can
be read here.
What makes the plantation particularly interesting
for the visitor is the fact only five
family since Colonel Williams purchased the property in 1742 have owned the
property. All the buildings and most of the furnishings date back to at least
1774.
The gate house still has the original roof.
This also the original roof of the house.
The pool was added for the tourists.
All the plantation accounting was done in a separate building.
Colonel William's wife is buried in the house, where
she died at the age of 24. Colonel
Williams died from unknown causes. Today, it is thought that he may have died
from lead poisoning due to his frequent baths to relieve pain in his own
designed bath tub lined with lead.
On the property is the remains of the sugar
processing operation.
The guided tour gives you a insight into life here
in the 1700's and the relationships between the Europeans and the natives of
the island. For those interested in the history and culture of the island it is
a must see.
Today the property is a tourist attraction and
operates an adventure park.
Some views from the drive back to port.
