OVERVIEW

Falmouth, situated on Jamaica's north coast near Montego Bay, is noted for being one of the Caribbean's best-preserved historic towns. It was established in the late 18th century and flourished as a governmental and market center for the Parish of Trelawny for more than 40 years. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Falmouth was one of the busiest ports in Jamaica. In Falmouth Harbour as many as 30 tall-ships could be seen on a given day delivering goods and loading their holds with rum and sugar. However, from about 1840 the town fell into a steady decline that has lasted until recently. The decline and lack of support for development has left many of its early buildings standing. Within the regular grid pattern of streets there exist many small (ginger bread) houses, major merchant and planter complexes, and commercial buildings, all dating from about 1790 to 1840. More>>