Population: 148,900 (as of 1999)
Capital: Black River
Major Towns: Santa Cruz, Malvern, Junction, Balaclava
St. Elizabeth is located in the south-western region of Jamaica, covering an area of 1,212.4 square kilometers (468.1 square miles). The parish is characterized by three major mountain ranges: the Nassau Mountains to the northeast, the Santa Cruz Mountains, which run south and dramatically drop 1,600 feet at Lovers' Leap, and the Lacovia Mountains to the west.
The parish's primary river, the Black River, is supported by several tributaries including the Y.S., Broad, Grass, and Horse Savannah rivers. As Jamaica's longest river, it spans 53.4 kilometers (33 miles) and is navigable for about 40 kilometers (25 miles). Originating in the mountains near Coleyville in Manchester, the river weaves through multiple underground passages before reemerging near Balaclava and flowing to the sea at Black River, the parish's capital.
St. Elizabeth boasts 44 caves, including Mexico Cave, the island's longest. Notable caves include Yardley Chase Caves near Lovers' Leap, Wallingford Caves near Balaclava, known for fossilized remains of extinct rodents, and Peru Cave near Goshen, famous for its stalactites and stalagmites.
Natural and Conservation Areas
Cockpit Country, National Park: A significant conservation area.
Wetland Sanctuary: Includes the Lower Black River Morass, Luana Point Swamp, and Holland Swamp Forest.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Various protected areas supporting diverse ecosystems.
St. Elizabeth's landscape comprises dry grasslands (savannahs), marshes, swamps, forests, and scrub woodlands. The land is predominantly used for agriculture, with farmers known for their adept farming practices. Historically, the land was utilized for sugar cane cultivation and pastures. Today, one sugar factory remains at the Appleton Estate, renowned for its fine rum blends. The parish also contains mineral deposits like bauxite, antimony, white limestone, clay, peat, and silica sand used in glass manufacturing.
Named after the wife of Sir Thomas Modyford, Jamaica's first English Governor, St. Elizabeth once encompassed most of the island's southwest. In 1703, Westmoreland was carved out, and in 1814, part of Manchester was included.
The Tainos/Arawaks originally inhabited the area, with evidence of their presence found at Pedro Bluff. Spanish settlers established ranches on the savannahs, leaving behind stone structures as reminders of their influence. Following the English conquest in 1655, sugar cane plantations flourished alongside the Spanish-developed ranches. Prosperity led to early technological advancements, such as the introduction of electric power in Black River in 1893 and the importation of Jamaica's first motor car in 1903.
St. Elizabeth's diverse racial heritage includes Miskito Indians from Central America, Loyalists from the Carolinas, Scots, and Germans. In the 20th century, emigration to countries like Panama and Costa Rica became common. The closure of Black River port in 1968 could have led to decline, but the discovery of bauxite revitalized the parish. Current efforts focus on community-based tourism to showcase the area's ecological wonders.
Munro College for boys and Hampton School for girls, established in the mid-19th century, are among the oldest public educational institutions in the parish, with several secondary schools built in the last 50 years.
St. Elizabeth continues to evolve, balancing its rich historical legacy with modern agricultural and industrial advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and community development.