Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica facts for kids
Saint Elizabeth is a beautiful parish located on the southwestern side of Jamaica. It is part of the county called Cornwall. The main town and capital of Saint Elizabeth is Black River, which is a historic and important place.
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About Saint Elizabeth
Saint Elizabeth is one of Jamaica's oldest parishes. It was created in 1692 and named after Lady Elizabeth Modyford, the wife of Jamaica's governor at the time. This parish is known for its diverse landscapes, from long coastlines to rolling hills and fertile plains. It's a place where you can find both busy towns and quiet natural spots.
Where is Saint Elizabeth?
Saint Elizabeth is located on the southern coast of Jamaica. It shares borders with other parishes like Manchester to the east, Trelawny and Saint James to the north, and Westmoreland to the west. Its position gives it access to the Caribbean Sea, which influences its climate and way of life.
What is the Land Like?
The land in Saint Elizabeth is quite varied. Along the coast, you'll find flat areas and wetlands, including the famous Black River Morass, which is a large swamp. As you move inland, the land rises into hills and valleys. The Santa Cruz Mountains run through the parish, offering cooler temperatures and different types of plants. This mix of land types makes Saint Elizabeth unique.
Important Towns and Places
The capital, Black River, is a very old town. It was one of the first towns in Jamaica to get electricity and even had telephones before Kingston! Black River sits at the mouth of the Black River, which is Jamaica's longest river. This river is famous for boat tours where you can see crocodiles and many types of birds.
Another well-known place is Santa Cruz, which is a busy commercial center in the hills. It's a hub for shopping and business for many people in the parish.
What Do People Do There?
Agriculture is very important in Saint Elizabeth. Farmers grow many crops like sugar cane, pimento, and various vegetables. Fishing is also a major activity, especially along the coast. Tourism is growing, with visitors coming to see the natural beauty and historical sites. Many people also work in small businesses and services in the towns.
Famous Natural Attractions
Saint Elizabeth is home to several popular natural attractions:
- Lovers' Leap: This is a dramatic cliff that offers amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. It's a popular spot for its beautiful scenery and the romantic legend associated with it.
- YS Falls: Located inland, YS Falls is a stunning series of seven waterfalls. Visitors can swim in the natural pools, go zip-lining, or enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Appleton Estate: While not strictly natural, this is one of Jamaica's oldest sugar estates and distilleries. It offers tours where you can learn about the history of sugar and rum making.
Wildlife and Nature
Because of its varied landscape, Saint Elizabeth is home to many different animals and plants. The Black River Morass is a very important wetland. It is a habitat for the American crocodile, various fish, and many species of birds, including migratory birds. The coastal areas also have mangroves, which are important for marine life. The hills and forests are home to other unique Jamaican wildlife.
Images for kids
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Lovers' Leap, Saint Elizabeth
See also
In Spanish: Parroquia de Saint Elizabeth para niños
