On the Island of Jamaica Mon

ISSUE 44 – STEVE KOVACS FUN WITH MAPS

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (August 6, 2020) – In Issue 44 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps feature we learn about how Jamaica once sank

Jamaica Independence

Jamaica gained its independence from Great Britain 58 years ago today.

This island nation of 2.7 million is home to reggae music, Blue Mountain coffee, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Usain Bolt and of course the Jamaican bobsled team. 

During the second half of the 17th century pirates have controlled Port Royal in southern Jamaica, once the most populous town in the Caribbean.  In 1692 much of the town sank below the waves during a major earthquake.  Was it an act of God, punishing the town’s loose moral code?

One famous American is said to have gained inspiration from the happenings at Port Royal and its pirates. . .  And millions have experienced the resulting ride in theme parks named after this famous person.  All of you probably know who that person is. . .

This John Tallis map of Jamaica from 1850 also shows vignettes of Jamaica, including the reconstructed Port Royal.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Click here 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.