FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-128

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (August 6, 2026) – In Fun with Maps today, we celebrate Independence Day Reggae style.

Pirates, Reggae and Bond

Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain on August 5, 1962.  Prior to the British rule, Spain ruled this island from the late 1400s to 1655.

The economy is largely based on tourism and agriculture based primarily sugar production from sugar cane and coffee growing.

Port Royal was a lawless port city during the early British rule, thanks to the pirate base there.  Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride was inspired by the Jamaican based pirates. 

And there is music.  Reggae, among others originated in Jamaica, with Bob Marley being the most famous musician of the island.

Finally, there is Jame Bond.  Rather Ian Fleming who had a retreat in northeast Jamaica he called Goldeneye.  There he wrote many of the novels about 007.

This ornate map of Jamaica is by Tallis from 1850.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Be sure to visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.