Population: 113,000
Capital: Port Maria
Major Towns: Highgate, Oracabessa, Richmond, Annotto Bay, Gayle
St. Mary is situated in the north-eastern part of Jamaica, encompassing an area of 657.86 square kilometers (254 square miles). The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with peaks reaching nearly 4,000 feet, although there are no distinct mountain ranges. The parish features a varied climate, with the eastern region characterized by shale rock and intricate surface drainage patterns, while the western section consists of limestone with primarily underground rivers. The Rio Nuevo, Wag Water, and White Rivers are the main waterways. The parish also boasts rich clay deposits and fertile alluvial soil.
Following the English conquest of Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655, the area around Santa Maria on the north coast became known as St. Mary, with Port Maria established as the chief town. St. Mary assumed its current boundaries in 1867 when it merged with the former parish of Metcalfe.
St. Mary has significant historical ties to the Taino/Arawak people and was one of the initial areas settled by the Spaniards. Puerto Santa Maria (now Port Maria) was the second town the Spaniards founded on the island.
The parish was a focal point in the fight against slavery, notably during the Easter Rebellion led by Tacky in 1760. The Maroons of Scotts Hall also exemplify the parish’s strong resistance to slavery. Additionally, four men were killed in the labour riots of 1938 at Islington, an event commemorated by monuments throughout the parish.
Agriculture
St. Mary’s economy is largely agricultural, producing bananas, tobacco, citrus, logwood, fustic, pimento, cocoa, coffee, coconuts, and sugar cane. The parish also supports agro-industries like copra, coir, and coconut oil production.
Tourism
Although tourism is a smaller sector in St. Mary, it remains a vital part of the local economy. The parish is home to several historical, cultural, and ecological attractions.
Annotto Bay Baptist Church
Constructed in 1823, the church suffered damage during the Christmas slave rebellion of 1831-1832 and a storm in 1880, but was rebuilt in 1894. Designed by Rev. Charles Barron, the church features unique architectural elements, including hand-cut glass windows and scripture-adorned walls. It was restored in 1964 and listed as a historic monument by the Jamaica National Trust Commission.
Rio Nuevo Battle Site
This historic site marks the battle fought on June 17, 1658, which determined Jamaica’s fate as an English colony. A plaque commemorates the struggle of both black and white Jamaicans against the Spanish, who ultimately lost the island. The site honors the legacy of those who resisted Spanish rule.
Castleton Gardens
Situated 31 kilometers from Kingston on the road to Annotto Bay, Castleton Gardens covers 12 acres at an elevation of 496 feet. Established in 1865, the gardens are home to a diverse array of birds and exotic plants from Madagascar, India, and the East Indies.
Firefly
Between 1956 and 1973, this hilltop cottage near Port Maria was the home of Sir Noel Coward, the famous English playwright and actor. The property, with its stunning coastal views, was restored and reopened as a museum in 1993. It is named Firefly after Coward’s encounter with fireflies (peeny wallies) on the land.
Brimmer Hall
Located near Bailey's Vale, six miles southeast of Port Maria, Brimmer Hall is a 2,000-acre working plantation. Visitors can learn about modern plantation operations, including the production of bananas, coconuts, and sugarcane. The Great House, furnished with antiques and an original suit of armor, offers an educational tour of the plantation’s workings.
St. Mary, with its rich history, agricultural wealth, and unique attractions, presents a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.