The Blue and John Crow Mountains

The Blue and John Crow Mountains always play a very important part of Jamaica’s History. In fact, the Mountains can be traced back to the 1600’s. During that period, the first Jamaican settlers, the Tainos Indians lived there. In the late 1600’s and up until about 1739, other settlers in the Maroons fought two wars in the mountains. The Maroon wars were against the mighty British Army. All this took place in the Parish of Portland. These Maroon Wars were led by Jamaica’s only woman National Hero, “Queen Nanny“. Queen Nanny fought alongside her five brothers, Captain Cudjoe, Accompong, Johnny, Cuffy, and Quao. Together, the Maroons led a number of former slaves and battle the British Army.

The British were defeated in both Wars. After the wars were over, the British signed two separate Peace Treaty agreements. As a result of the Peace Treaty, the Maroons were given land. They were also governing under separate laws. Today, the Maroons continue to live as Sovereign State with their own bylaws. Thru sovereignty, they are not required to pay taxes and they elect their owned chief. Their existence today remains separate as they live within the country of Jamaica as an independent state.

One Of Meny Waterfalls

The Blue and John Crow Mountain World Heritage Site 

As a result of all the rich history with the Blue and John Crow Mountains, it became a World Heritage Site after meeting all the criteria. On July 3, 2015, The Blue and John Crow Mountains was officially designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a World Heritage Site. Jamaicans are privilege to know that this National Park was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area covers about 200,000 acres and spans across sections of three Parishes. The three Parishes are St. Thomas, Portland and St. Andrew.

Of the tropical mountains, these mountains boast a cloud forest which is considered a rare habitat.  The mountains peak over 3,000 feet at its highest point. It is home to the Giant Swallowtail Butterflies which is one of the last two known habitats of its kind. These butterflies are the largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere.

Cultural and Natural Heritage site

The park has been designated as both a cultural and natural Heritage Site. As a mixed site (The only one in the sub-region of the Caribbean), it now becomes one of only 32 mixed sites on the World Heritage list. Jamaica has now joined the ranks of other iconic site such as The Taj Mahal of India, the Great Wall of China, The Pyramids of Egypt as well as the Pitons in St. Lucia amongst others.

Because the park consists of over 800 species of endemic plants, over 200 species of birds of which 29 are endemic bird species, it is one of the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean. The other location for the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly in Jamaica is in the Cockpit County in Saint Elizabeth. It’s also home to the Leeward Maroons and was the first Sovereign State body of land given to the Maroons. This was done after the first Peace Treaty was signed with the British.

Blue and John Crow Mountains Heritage Site

In making the Blue and John Crow Mountains a heritage site, UNESCO took into consideration the historic signing of the Peace Treaty and its cloud forest which is extremely unique in the Caribbean. In addition, there are bird watching points for all the rare endemics bird species such as the Jamaican Blackbird (Nesopsar nigerrimus) and more.

While exploring the area, the Holywell area is where you will likely hear the Rufous-throated Solitaire (Myadestes genibarbis). You will also see other species of birds such as Mountain Witch (Geotryon versicolor). The mountains also serve as a winter habitat for many birds migrating from colder climates including the Swainson warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii). The Robin Redbreast (Todus todus) or the Jamaican.

Waterfalls

The whole rugged landscape of the forestry and the cascading waterfalls is very important to the island. The waterfalls from the mountains extend into the Rio Grande River. About 40% of the people in Jamaica get their water supply coming from the mountains. The water is also used for agricultural and commercial usage. These mountains have been a fabric of Jamaica’s identity since the 1600’s. During those days, the Tainos Indians, Queen Nanny and her brothers used the mountains as their safe haven to avoid been captured and enslaved by the British.

Coffee

Over the years, the Blue and John Crow Mountains can also be identified with Jamaica’s world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. The Coffee is grown in the mountains. To be branded and government approve as Blue Mountain Coffee, the coffee must be cultivated over 2500 feet above sea.

Today, both the past and present history of the Blue and John Crow Mountains are well celebrated and respected. There are always planned events arranged by several touring organizations. One tour includes a bicycle tour. For the bicycle tour, the groups are taken close to the top of the mountain, just over 2500 feet above sea level. At that point you are assigned a bicycle in which you can enjoy a beautiful scenic tour and learn some of the great history on the ride down.