ST. THOMAS!!

St. Thomas is situated along the south-eastern coast of Jamaica.  The parish is in the middle of St. Andrew on the west and Portland on the north-east.  It is 742.8 sq. km in size with a population of 84,266.

St. Thomas was originally called St. Thomas -in-the-East.  In 1867 the parish of St. Thomas was enlarged to include the former parish of St. David.  When Columbus arrived on the island the parish was densely populated by Arawaks.

St. Thomas was home to two of Jamaica's National Heroes, George William Gordon and Paul Bogle.  The Morant Bay Rebellion was led by Paul Bogle.  The riots, which were petitioning for an improvement in the people's conditions, took place in front of the courthouse on June 11, 1865.  A statue of Paul Bogle now stands before the Morant Bay Courthouse, a lasting testimony to Bogle's fight for freedom.

Special Attractions

Morant Bay Courthouse - was burnt down during the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865.  It was later rebuilt.  It was on these grounds that Paul Bogle was buried.

Morant Bay Fort - is located behind the Morant Bay Courthouse and was built in 1773.  Its 3 remaining cannons were later installed in the early eighteenth century.

Morant Bay Lighthouse - is a 100 ft. structure that was built in 1841.

Bath Botanical Gardens - was established in 1779 by the Government of Jamaica.  These gardens are the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere and it is here that many of the plants first brought to Jamaica were introduced.

Bath Fountain - was discovered by a runaway slave in the late 17th century.  In 1699 the government acquired and developed the spring.

Beaches - Mezzgar's Run, South Haven, Rozelle, Lyssons, Retreat, Prospect, Rocky Point.

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