Jamaica is a small country with a colorful past. Visitors to the parish of St. Mary, which includes Boscobel, can see and feel the depth of local history. From pirates to playwrights, musicians and marine life, the sights and stories here are filled with unique intrigue.
Constructed in 1759 to protect the harbor from the Spanish Armada, Fort Haldane has also served as a garrison and disciplinary facility for slaves and poor or working-class residents of St. Mary. Strategically placed high atop a hill with guns facing outward toward Port Maria, it has a wide view of the sea. Named after General George Haldane, the governor of Jamaica when it was built, the fort is also famous for its pivotal role in Tacky's Rebellion, a bloody uprising of slaves which lasted for five months in 1760. Travelers can explore the historic grounds at their leisure; there are no formal guided tours, but often a friendly local is happy to show visitors around and explain the fort's dramatic history. There is no admission fee.
Next door to Fort Haldane is Firefly Estate, the vacation home of playwright Sir Noel Coward. Now a government-sponsored museum honoring Coward, it was originally the home of pirate -- and later governor -- Henry Morgan. Morgan selected the house's location atop a mountain for its sweeping view of the valley and St. Mary's harbor below. Morgan also had a tunnel dug from the house all the way to the harbor. The house, listed as a National Heritage Site by the Jamaican National Heritage Trust, is open to the public and guided tours are available. It's a time capsule of the playwright's life, with most of his furniture, books and dishes still laid out as if he still occupies the residence. The grounds include a statue of Coward at his favorite vantage point of the harbor and a stone hut used by Morgan as a lookout post that's now a gift shop and restaurant.
Formally established in 2010 to protect marine life and the fragile ecosystem of the reef, this sanctuary's mission is to increase biodiversity in the bay and sustainability for the local economy. Reintroduced sea turtles and new coral have helped regrow and facilitate more marine species. The bay is home to several reefs. One of the largest, Golden Clouds, is a busy dive destination because of its coral, diverse marine life and closeness to Cayman Trough. The sanctuary is open to the public daily; visitors can snorkel, swim and observe local marine life in its natural habitat.
Legendary musician Bob Marley was born and laid to rest here. His home is open to visitors and offers daily guided tours by local Rastafarians. You can see Marley's living quarters, bedroom, personal effects and the famous "rock pillow" from which he drew musical inspiration. The mausoleum, where Marley rests alongside his mother and brother, is also part of the tour.
