Cornwall County, Jamaica facts for kids
Cornwall County is one of the three historic counties that make up the island nation of Jamaica. Even though counties in Jamaica are no longer used for government purposes, they are still important for understanding the country's history and geography. Cornwall County is located in the western part of Jamaica. It includes five important areas called parishes: Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland.
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What is a County?
A county is a type of area or division within a country. In many places around the world, counties are used for local government or for organizing things like courts and elections. In Jamaica, the counties were set up a long time ago, in 1758, when the island was a British colony. They helped the government manage different parts of the island.
Parishes of Cornwall County
Cornwall County is made up of five parishes, each with its own unique features and history. These parishes are:
- Hanover: Known for its beautiful coastline and agricultural areas.
- Saint Elizabeth: Often called the "breadbasket" of Jamaica because of its farming. It's also home to the Black River.
- Saint James: This parish includes the famous tourist city of Montego Bay, a popular spot for visitors.
- Trelawny: Known for its sugar cane history and the historic town of Falmouth.
- Westmoreland: Located at the western end of the island, it's known for its farming and the town of Negril.
Each of these parishes plays a role in the history and culture of western Jamaica.
Why Were Counties Created?
The counties in Jamaica, including Cornwall County, were created in 1758 by the British colonial government. This was done to help organize the island better. At that time, Jamaica was divided into 22 parishes. The counties were a way to group these parishes into larger regions. This made it easier to manage things like the legal system and local administration across the island.
Cornwall County Today
Today, the counties in Jamaica, like Cornwall County, are mostly historical. They are no longer used for government or administrative purposes. Instead, the parishes are the main local government divisions. However, the names of the counties are still used informally to describe different parts of the island. For example, people might refer to the "western end" of Jamaica as Cornwall County. This helps people understand the geography of the island based on its historical divisions.
Images for kids
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A map showing the parishes of Jamaica.
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A friendly robot.
