THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Blue Mountain Peak is the highest point in Jamaica at 2,255.8metres (7402 feet). The Blue Mountains are the site of Jamaica's first proposed National Park. The range covers three parishes: St. Andrew, St. Thomas and Portland.
The flora and fauna to be found on the mountains are very varied and indigenous to Jamaica. Two examples of indigenous plant life are the Portlandia Grandiflora and Aechmea Paniculigera or wild pine.
PORT ANTONIO COURT HOUSE
This stone and brick building was erected in 1895 under the direction of the Colonial Secretary. It consists of two storeys and has an upper verandah both at the front and rear of the building. The upper verandahs are surrounded by an ornate iron baluster and are supported by columns of cast iron work made by William McFarlane and Company of Glasgow, Scotland.
A plaque on a wall inside the building, dated November 16, 1918, bears a message to the then Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
DEMONTEVIN LODGE
DeMontevin lodge currently used as a guest house was once a private residence. The House was built by the honourable David Gideon, Custos of Portland, at the turn of the twentieth century.
Some of the decorative iron work on the building might have been brought on the banana boats which traveled between Boston and Port Antonio. The building bears a striking resemblance to "Sea Captains' Houses" on the Massachusetts Coast.
PORT ANTONIO RAILWAY STATION
The Port Antonio Railway Station, constructed in 1896, is typical of the style of architecture associated with Railway Stations in Jamaica. Built along the Jamaican Georgian lines of architecture, the Port Antonio Railway Station is considered as the finest example of highly decorative finishes.
The Station was of significant importance to Jamaica’s transportation system as it was the terminus of the line that started at Bog Walk in St. Catherine.
When the banana trade was at its height and Port Antonio was a flourishing port, this was the scene of much activity.
SEAMAN'S VALLEY
Located in the parish of Portland, this property has on it the ruins of the Seaman's Valley great house, and the first European cemetery in this area of Portland. Here George Fuller, famous English Superintendent of the Moore Town Maroons, was buried.
The Seaman's Valley road leads to Moore Town, which is not only the oldest Maroon settlement in the entire valley, but also the headquarters of the Eastern Maroons. |
