Negril was named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494 but has little history except as a haven for shipping. In 1702 British Admiral Benbow sailed into Negril and regrouped his forces after his ill-fated encounter with the French under Admiral DuCasse and in 1818 fifty warships and 6600 men sailed from Negril to tackle the American rebels and were put to fight the battle of New Orleans. The infamous Pirates Calico Jack and Anne Bonney were captured in Negril and were executed near Port Royal.