Emily Kiburz-Grimes is an English-language learners teacher with an extensive background in curriculum development. Passionate about travel, Emily Kiburz-Grimes enjoys visiting destinations with a unique history and culture, and she has been to countries ranging from Belgium to Jamaica.
One of the Caribbean’s most unusual sites is Jamaica's Port Royal, which was established by the English in the late 17th century. After they failed to take over the Spanish stronghold Hispaniola (which now comprises Haiti and the Dominican Republic), English raiders dispatched by Oliver Cromwell targeted Jamaica instead. Although it lacked gold or other exploitable resources, Jamaica was considered preferable over nothing.
The island came under English control in 1655 and within five decades had emerged as the second-largest city in the New World, behind only Boston. As a hub for legitimate and dubious entrepreneurial activities, many of those who lived in Port Royal were pirates. This was reflected in pirate Henry Morgan being named lieutenant governor of the city in 1675 and Port Royal gaining the title of “the most wicked and sinful city in the world.”
The city’s decline began on June 7, 1692, when Jamaica was hit by an earthquake estimated at 7.5 magnitude. Port Royal was primarily constructed over sand and experienced immediate liquefaction as a result. Geysers broke through the ground and buildings collapsed prior to the tsunami waves that struck. In total, approximately 33 acres of the city were submerged, 2,000 people were killed, and four of the city’s five forts were ruined or sunk. What was taken as a sign of divine retribution by many people was followed by rampant looting.
Pirate activity continued at Port Royal for another 50 years, and English naval operations there ended in 1905. In 1951, a hurricane swept away much of what remained of the city. Today, most of Port Royal exists under 40 feet of water and is a popular dive site. One 1969 dive yielded its most famous artifact: a 1686 pocket watch that had stopped at 11:43 on the day of the city’s destruction.
One of the Caribbean’s most unusual sites is Jamaica's Port Royal, which was established by the English in the late 17th century. After they failed to take over the Spanish stronghold Hispaniola (which now comprises Haiti and the Dominican Republic), English raiders dispatched by Oliver Cromwell targeted Jamaica instead. Although it lacked gold or other exploitable resources, Jamaica was considered preferable over nothing.
The island came under English control in 1655 and within five decades had emerged as the second-largest city in the New World, behind only Boston. As a hub for legitimate and dubious entrepreneurial activities, many of those who lived in Port Royal were pirates. This was reflected in pirate Henry Morgan being named lieutenant governor of the city in 1675 and Port Royal gaining the title of “the most wicked and sinful city in the world.”
The city’s decline began on June 7, 1692, when Jamaica was hit by an earthquake estimated at 7.5 magnitude. Port Royal was primarily constructed over sand and experienced immediate liquefaction as a result. Geysers broke through the ground and buildings collapsed prior to the tsunami waves that struck. In total, approximately 33 acres of the city were submerged, 2,000 people were killed, and four of the city’s five forts were ruined or sunk. What was taken as a sign of divine retribution by many people was followed by rampant looting.
Pirate activity continued at Port Royal for another 50 years, and English naval operations there ended in 1905. In 1951, a hurricane swept away much of what remained of the city. Today, most of Port Royal exists under 40 feet of water and is a popular dive site. One 1969 dive yielded its most famous artifact: a 1686 pocket watch that had stopped at 11:43 on the day of the city’s destruction.
