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the west to Oracabessa on the east.

The history of Jamaica is long and rich, with influences from ancient Taino Indian culture,
African, European, East Indian, Lebanese and Chinese decendants and reggae roots all playing
a role during different times periods.  Primarily, the history of Jamaica is the story of an island
culture melding and emerging to become an area rich with its own unique culture.

Jamaica was originally settled by the a tribe of Arawak Indians called Taino, who came to
Jamaica at around 1,000 BC and called the land Xamayca, meaning land of wood and water.
After Christopher Columbus landed in 1494 and claimed the island for Spain, Ocho Rios was
named Chorreros meaning rapid rivers. The Tainos were ultimately obliterated by disease,
slavery and war. Some also committed suicide, presumably to escape their conditions as slaves.
Spain brought the first African slaves to Jamaica in 1517 as labourers to work on plantations
throughout Jamaica, including Ocho Rios.

In May 1655, British forces seized the island from the Spanish.  The English misunderstood,
misinterpreted and mispronounced the Spanish name Chorreros and called the town Ocho
Rios, which sounded close enough. In 1657 and 1658 the Spanish, sailing from Cuba, failed to
retake the island in fierce battles in and around Ocho Rios.

Historically, Ocho Rios had never acquired any prominent role to either the English or the
Spanish. It was, however, utilised by pirates who along with Port Royal, regarded it as a
perfect base of operations.

Slavery was not abolished in the island until 1834 and the late nineteenth century was a time
of poverty in Ocho Rios, but it was also a time of growth and celebration, as the newly freed
slaves began to work towards gaining other types of freedom. Patterns of growth and decline
continued throughout the twentieth century.

The Outameni Experience in Trewlawny is an interactive tour that does a great job of
showcasing Jamaica's history.

In the late twentieth century, the beaches of Jamaica, including the many beautiful beaches
of Ocho Rios, began to be recognized as a tourist attraction. Today, Ocho Rios extends four
miles between Dunn's River Falls, two miles to the west of the town centre and the White
River, two miles to the east. Almost all the development outside the centre is to the east.

In the last thirty five years, "Ochie" grew from a small fishing village to a world class tourist
destination as the area developed a strong tourist-based economy.

Come indulge in a
luxury Jamaica
vacation or romantic
tropical getaway at
THE
BLUE HOUSE
Boutique
Bed & Breakfast Villa
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Our award winning B&B
is a great choice if you
prefer small Caribbean
Boutique Hotels over
impersonal all-inclusives.
Ocho Rios History - Jamaica History
weary and heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28-30
Telephone: (876) 994-1367 or 974-1569
P.O. Box 6189, Ocho Rios P.O., Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica W.I.
Ocho Rios Jamaica Luxury Caribbean Guest House/Holiday Lodging & Vacation Travel Guide
Rough Guide
has this to say about
The Blue House,

‎"SUPERB deluxe B&B
with immaculate,
tasteful rooms.

The highlight is
possibly the best
Jamaican-fusion
cooking on
the island
encompassing
traditional Chinese
and Indian styles.

Breakfast and dinner
are served family-
style, while the genial
hosts are a mine of
information and offer
islandwide tours.

A pool and nearby
river bathing are
great for relaxation."
THE  BLUE  HOUSE
Luxury Boutique Bed & Breakfast Villa, Ocho Rios, Jamaica


Small affordable luxury boutique hotel for discerning travellers and foodie vacations.

Christian holiday lodgings in White River Estates, St Mary,
on the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, two miles east of Ocho Rios.
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