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St Elizabeth

The History of St Elizabeth Parish

Introduction
St Elizabeth, one of Jamaica’s oldest parishes, was established in 1671 as part of the second group of parishes created after English colonization. Initially vast, the parish included much of western Jamaica, but boundary adjustments over the years reduced it to its current size of 1,212.4 square kilometers. Today, it is Jamaica’s second-largest parish and is situated in the southwest, bordered by Westmoreland, Manchester, St James, Trelawny, and the Caribbean Sea.

Known for its rich history, St Elizabeth boasts 37 recorded Taino sites, reflecting the legacy of Jamaica’s first inhabitants. The parish’s diverse geography, including mountain ranges like the Santa Cruz Mountains, fertile plains, and the Black River, shaped its development as Jamaica’s “breadbasket parish.”

Taino Heritage
St Elizabeth’s Taino heritage is significant, with 18 midden sites and 19 cave sites recorded. Taino middens reveal remnants of their daily lives, including pottery, tools, and animal bones, offering insights into their material culture. Important midden sites include:

  • Alligator Pond: Known for its Redware pottery featuring turtle motifs, reflecting the Tainos’ reliance on coastal living.
  • Black River: A site with unique artefacts from the White Marl culture, including human skeletal remains.
  • Fort Charles: A midden with an exposed shallow grave containing ceremonial items.

Taino caves, used for burials and rituals, include Duff House and Warminster caves, known for petroglyphs depicting human faces and geometric designs. Burial caves such as Baalbec and Bull Savannah contain skeletal remains and artefacts like pottery, showcasing Taino burial customs.

Spanish Influence (1494–1655)
The Spaniards arrived in 1494 during Columbus’ second voyage. Initially welcomed by the Tainos, the Spanish eventually established settlements, including cattle ranches (“hatos”) like Hato Pereda (Pedro Plains) and Hato Caobana (Black River), which were integral to their economy. St Elizabeth’s abundant plains supported cattle rearing, and the parish became a center for producing beef, hides, and tallow for Spanish fleets.

Other economic activities included cotton farming, cassava cultivation, and wood exports. The Spanish introduced mahogany and ebony to Europe, contributing to shipbuilding. Cocoa cultivation led to place names like Chocolata Bay. However, the Spanish neglected Jamaica as they focused on wealthier colonies, leaving settlers to rely on smuggling to sustain their livelihoods.

The Spaniards’ legacy persists in place names such as Pedro Plains, Santa Cruz, and Parrotee Bay, though many Spanish terms were anglicized after English colonization. The Spanish also contributed to the parish’s cattle-rearing traditions and infrastructure.

Resistance to English Invasion
The English invasion in 1655 marked the end of Spanish rule. Governor Ysassi led a guerrilla resistance based in St Elizabeth’s Santa Cruz Mountains. The decisive Battle of Caobana (Black River) in 1655 saw heavy losses for the Spaniards. Despite reinforcements from Cuba, Ysassi’s efforts failed, and by 1660, Spanish resistance in Jamaica had ended.

English Settlement (1664–1814)
Under English rule, St Elizabeth became one of Jamaica’s initial 12 parishes by 1670. It was named after Lady Elizabeth Modyford, wife of the then-governor. Early English settlements included Surinam Quarters, established in 1675 by refugees from Surinam, and areas settled by Scots after the failed Darien expedition in Panama.

Boundary changes shaped the parish’s modern size:

  • 1703: Westmoreland was carved out of St Elizabeth.
  • 1739: Parts of the Carpenter’s Mountains were transferred to Vere.
  • 1814: The creation of Manchester reduced St Elizabeth further.

Key Features of St Elizabeth

  • Agriculture: Southern plains like Pedro Plains supported livestock rearing, while fertile northern areas along the Black and Y.S. Rivers fostered sugar cane and coffee cultivation.
  • Geography: The Santa Cruz, Nassau, and Lacovia Mountains offer varied landscapes, influencing settlement and agricultural patterns.
  • Ethnic Diversity: The parish’s population reflects a blend of Taino, Spanish, African, and European influences, creating a rich cultural heritage.

Concluding Thoughts
St Elizabeth’s history is a tapestry of Taino ingenuity, Spanish enterprise, and English resilience. Its role as Jamaica’s breadbasket parish, combined with its diverse cultural and historical legacy, makes it a cornerstone of Jamaica’s heritage.

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