Located on the extreme western tip of Jamaica is the town of Negril – long noted for its spectacular sunsets and Rick’s Cafe′, the place where the adventurous plunge off cliffs into the waters below.
Until fairly recently Negril visitors have been fewer than otherwise might be expected, given its location, beaches and scenery. The reason for this was extremely bad road conditions. But that has changed dramatically in recent years.
Although a lot of history happened in or near Negril, there is only a single building of significance to visit – a century-old lighthouse.
Back in the 18th Century Negril played host to many pirates, including the notorious Calico Jack who was captured and hung there in 1720. Two female freebooters, Anne Bonney and Mary Read, were apprehended at the same time but escaped execution by claiming to be pregnant.
The same area also served as a whale processing center which eventually caused the harbor to become known as Bloody Bay.
Besides American tourists, Negril has historical connections to the United States because in 1814 the British used the site as a troop staging area during the War of 1812. In fact soldiers were dispatched from Negril to Louisiana where they participated in the disastrous defeat at the battle of New Orleans in January, 1815.
In more recent times greater Negril has served as a setting for numerous motion pictures, including Dr. No (James Bond), Papillon and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Negril is an excellent location for exploring the island’s south coast sites, such as Black River, Y.S. Falls and Mandeville.