Population: 178,000 (1999)
Capital: Montego Bay
Major Towns: Adelphi, Cambridge, Montpelier, Catadupa, Fairfield
Located in the north-western section of Jamaica, St. James spans an area of 595 square kilometers. The parish is predominantly composed of limestone, with the Nassau Mountains rising from St. Elizabeth in the south, traversing St. James, and descending just south of Montego Bay. The highest peak reaches approximately 1,524 meters above sea level. The Great River, forming the boundary with Hanover, and the Montego River, originating in central St. James and flowing northwards to Montego Bay, are the parish's primary rivers.
During the Spanish occupation, the area now known as Montego Bay was dubbed "Manteca Bahia" (Lard Bay) due to its role in the production of hog's lard. The parish was named St. James in honor of King James II by Sir Thomas Modyford, Jamaica's first English Governor. Initially one of the poorest parishes under English rule, it saw a transformation with the rise of the sugar industry post-1739. By 1782, Montego Bay was second only to Kingston in economic importance, with over 150 ships annually bringing slaves and supplies and exporting sugar.
St. James was pivotal during the Christmas Rebellion of 1831-1832, led by Sam Sharpe, who was later hanged and posthumously honored as a National Hero. The parish also played a role in the early tourism industry in Jamaica, spurred by the curative fame of Doctors Cave beach.
Tourism:
Montego Bay is Jamaica's premier tourist destination, with one in four residents employed in the sector. Over 500,000 tourists visit annually, contributing to one-third of Jamaica's tourism revenue. Notable hotels include the Ritz Carlton.
Agriculture:
Key agricultural activities include forestry, sugar cane cultivation, and various domestic crops.
Manufacturing:
Approximately 60 manufacturing establishments operate in St. James, focusing on garments, woodwork, and food processing. Major industrial zones include the Montego Free Zone, Bogue Industrial Estate, Ironshore, Providence Industrial Park, and JIDC Park at Glendevon.
The Dome:
Built in 1837 at the intersection of Creek and Dome Streets, this six-sided brick structure protected Montego Bay's only reliable water source until 1894.
Rocklands Bird Feeding Sanctuary:
Founded by naturalist Lisa Salmon, this sanctuary hosts numerous bird species, including 24 endemics, such as the national bird, the doctor bird. The sanctuary is a key stopover on the main migration route between North and South America.
St. James Parish Church:
Constructed between 1775 and 1882 in the form of a Greek cross, the church houses fine monuments, including works by John Bacon, and a memorial to Rose Palmer, associated with the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall.
Sam Sharpe Square:
Named after National Hero Sam Sharpe, this square features a statue unveiled in 1983 to commemorate Jamaica's 21st year of independence.
Rose Hall Great House:
Famed for the legend of the White Witch, Annie Palmer, this 1770 mansion was restored in 1966 by John Rollins. It attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
The Cage:
This small cut-stone building in Sam Sharpe Square was built in 1806 as a lockup for vagrants, disorderly seamen, and runaway slaves.
Old Slave Ring - Cotton Tree Lodge:
Located on the grounds of Rerrie's house in Montego Bay, this semi-circular arena was used for displaying slaves to prospective buyers.
Other notable sites include Barnett Estate, Blue Hole Garden, Burchell Memorial Church (where Sam Sharpe is buried), Greenwood Great House, and The Town House at 16 Church Street, Montego Bay.