Saint Ann () is the largest parish in Jamaica.

The Armadale Juvenile Correctional Centre for girls was located in Alexandria but on 22 May 2009 a fire went through the facility, killing 5 girls and injuring 13 more. The replacement facility is located in Diamond Crest Villa near Alligator Pond in Manchester Parish.

Historic

thumb|Statue of [[Christopher Columbus in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica]]

thumb|Ebenezer Chapel, Saint Ann's, Jamaica (September 1851, VIII, p. 102)

thumb|left|Anchor at Priory St Ann - recovered from HMS Hinchinbrook, Capt. Nelson's first command.

St. Ann's is a historically significant location that has undergone major development over the years. It was the site of Spanish settlement and civilization in Jamaica, and despite the capital being moved, it remains one of the most important parishes on the island. St. Ann is known for having the most free villages in Jamaica, including Clarksonville which was established in 1835. Originally a small market town and fishing village, St. Ann has evolved into a major player in Jamaica's Bauxite Industry. The parish is also known for its natural beauty and was named Santa Ana (St. Ann) by the Spaniards, earning the nickname "Garden Parish" of Jamaica.

The Parish has rich history, including being the location where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Jamaica on May 4, 1494 during his second voyage in the Americas. The British Man-O-War, the Hinchinbrook, previously commanded by then Post-Captain Horatio Nelson, also has ties to St. Ann's Parish. The ship was taking on water under the command of Lieutenant John Markham in 1782 soon after leaving Port Royal and sought shelter in St. Ann's Bay, but could not be coaxed over the reef and sank after a nearby schooner took some stores and a few cannons. The anchor of the Hinchinbrook was later retrieved and placed as a landmark in Priory. While many tour buses pass by the landmark on their way to Ocho Rios or Port Antonio, few may realize the significance of the old anchor and its ties to Jamaican history.

See also

thumb|Marcus Garvey statue in front of the St. Ann Library

  • Seville Heritage Park
  • Bob Marley Mausoleum, Nine Mile
  • Columbus Park
  • Marcus Garvey Statue, Saint Ann's Bay
  • Edinburgh Castle (ruins)
  • Roaring River

Notable persons

  • Bob Marley
  • Marcus Garvey
  • Burning Spear
  • D.K. Duncan
  • Peter Cargill
  • Floyd Lloyd
  • Jamaica national bobsled team
  • Bass Odyssey
  • Romain Virgo
  • Donald J. Harris
  • Shericka Jackson

Notes

References

  • Statistics
  • Statistical Institute of Jamaica
  • JCO descent into Hutchinson's Hole - Feb, 2004
  • Jamaica Heritage Trust