02
Jun
Historical Facts About Jamaica. The great majority of its people are of African ancestry the descendants of slaves brought by European colonists. By roughly 800 AD a second wave of inhabitance occurred by the Arawak tribes including the Tainos prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494. Another interesting fact about Jamaica is that it was the first Caribbean island to gain its independence from the United Kingdom. Jamaica belonged to Spain until 1655 when the British conquered Jamaica.
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean. Jamaica is the first Caribbean Country to gain Independence. When the English captured Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655 they renamed the island Jamaica. In 1962 it was declared as an independent nation although Jamaica chose to remain part of the British Commonwealth. The history of Jamaica is a rich and vibrant one which inspires us to move forward as a nation. The Spanish-owned African slaves were freed and they were allowed to live in Jamaica.
Early inhabitants of Jamaica named the land Xaymaca meaning land of wood and water.
The British established many plantations for sugar cocoa and coffee in the 17th century. Religion is deeply embedded in Jamaican culture. Jamaica like many another of the West Indian Islands is like a woman with a history. The history of Jamaica is a rich and vibrant one which inspires us to move forward as a nation. It is part of the chain of Caribbean islands called the Greater Antilles along with. From the creation of internationally recognized and enjoyed music to athletic prowess in track and field Jamaica is home to many wonders and surprising information.