Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica – Paul Bogle and the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865
Saint Thomas is closely linked to the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, led by Paul Bogle, who was born in the parish and was named one of Jamaica's seven National Heroes in 1969. The events at Morant Bay, the parish capital, became a turning point in the island's struggle for justice and are remembered with deep respect today.
When Columbus arrived in 1494, the area was densely populated by the Taíno. The Spanish later set up cattle ranches at Morant Bay and Yallahs, and after 1655 the English established the parish and invited settlers from other colonies, including about 1,600 from Nevis. Today Saint Thomas is a rural parish of mountains and coast. Have a Saint Thomas story? Share it with the community!