Port Royal

Port Royal, Jamaica was the centre of shipping commerce in the islands of the Greater Antilles which make up the northeastern part of the outer ring of islands defining and enclosing the Caribbean Sea. Situated at the western end of the Palisadoes sand spit that protects Kingston, Port Royal was ideal as a harbour.In 1655 it was acquired by the British although the Spanish, though originally claimed by the Spanish (1).

Port Royal quickly acquired a reputation as "Sodom of the New World" because of its activities which included piracy and prostitution.Following Henry Morgan's appointment as lieutenant governor, Port Royal began to change. Pirates were no longer needed to defend the city. The selling of slaves took on greater importance. Upstanding citizens disliked the reputation the city had acquired. In 1687, Jamaica passed anti-piracy laws. Instead of being a safe haven for pirates, Port Royal became noted as their place of execution. Gallows Point welcomed many to their death, including Charles Vane and Calico Jack, who were hanged in 1720. Two years later, forty-one pirates met their death in one month.(1)

The earthquake of 1692 ravished much of the city and claimed between 1000-3000 lives. In months to follow an additional 2000 lives were claimed by disease that was excessive. There were numerous attempts to rebuild the city but this was hampered by a a 1703 fire and numerous hurricanes throughout the 18th century. Port Royal was never restored to its former glory because soon Kingston was the beacon.

In January 1907 there was another devastating hurricane. It is widely thought that much of the damage was from the 1692 earthquake, however the 1907 destroyed structures which were rebuild and submerged parts of the city which had remained intact after the first earthquake.

Port Royal, once considered the richest city in the new world is now a shadow of its former glory. Today it stands as monument of the great city that once lived. Visit Fort Charles which was the fort used when Port Royal was at its pinnacle. It houses a museum which used to be an infirmary. The "Giddy House"- which was dubbed such because of a slant building from the second earthquake, was once a gift shop. Port Royal is now a place of leisure for locals and visitors alike who dine at its cook shops and restaurants on fresh sea food. Also, it is the point of embarkation for a short boat ride to near by Lime Cay- a treasure chest south of the tip of Port Royal.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Royal/. Retrieved, Febuary 7, 2009.

2.http://www.discoverjamaica.com/tour5.htm. Retrieved, Febuary 7, 2009