Montego Bay, Jamaica City Guide

Overview of Montego Bay Montego Bay’s History Montego Bay Bed and Breakfasts Shopping Water Adventures Outdoor Sports Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary Food Montego Bay Connection Bed and Breakfasts in Montego Bay, Jamaica

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Montego Bay’s History

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Montego Bay has a long history of European occupation. The Spanish were the first to colonize the area, initially named Golfo de Buen Tiempo (Gulf of Fair Weather) by Christopher Columbus and later known as “Bahia de Manteca” or Bay of Lard in English, from which was derived the modern name, Montego Bay. This second name surfaced as a result of the profitable pig lard industry made possible by the generous population of wild boars living in Montego Bay’s surrounding hills. This region was also ideal for establishing sugarcane plantations and growing bananas, traditions that were eagerly continued by the British after their occupation of Jamaica starting in 1665. Though the sugar and banana plantations of Montego Bay are a thing of the past, the city retains its exotic essence through its modern, noisy, untidy, and lively Caribbean charm. Today, Montego Bay has become Jamaica’s tourism capital primarily due to its uncommonly clear and sparkling waters that have continued to attract celebrities and socialites from all over the world, not to mention its ease of access as a major airline hub.

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