Day 5: Spanish Town - Cole

After our three hour drive we finally arrived at Spanish Town. Spanish Town contains such a rich history. It was colonized by Spain in the 16th century and was made the seat of government of Jamaica in 1536. One hundred and twenty years later, in 1655, after many failed attempts, the English took control of Spanish Town and the rest of Jamaica as well. Spanish Town continued to be the seat of government in Jamaica for England until 1872 when Kingston was made the capital. It is strange that it was continued to be named Spanish Town even after England took control of it. 

The most historically rich and interesting place in Spanish Town is the Spanish cathedral, which is nicknamed "The Red Church." It is the oldest cathedral in the western world and has the oldest organs in the western world as well. The cathedral is around 500 years old. In the cathedral, there are black and white tiles that are as old as the church. Our guide told us that they wanted to remove these tiles and replace them, even though they were still in decent condition, but the National Heritage Association wouldn't let them. 

Spanish town itself was very interetsing. So much was going on there throughout the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. During the 16th century the Spanish settled down there and made Spanish town their capital. During the 17th century the English invaded and took control of Spanish town. During the 18th century important buildings were built including the new Kings House and House of Assembly. Also, the capital was moved to Kingston for a very short time until the King of England made them move the capital back to Spanish town. Finally, during the 19th century the Emancipation Act was finally achieved and all slaves were freed. 

Our trip to Spanish Town was so incredible and I enjoyed doing research on Spanish Town Square and the Emancipation Act.