The magnificent Black River Courthouse. - Photos by Claudia Gardner

WESTERN BUREAU:

Despite its seemingly lacklustre atmosphere, St Elizabeth's once-busy capital, Black River, is a town with a rich and extraordinary history.

Black River is one of Jamaica's oldest towns. Its record of existence dates back to 1685. During the heyday of colonialism, records show, it was one of Jamaica's wealthiest urban centres, prospering from an extremely profitable logwood trade, as well as exports of rum, pimento and cattle skin from the Holland, Vineyard and Fullerswood estates.

Black River replaced Lacovia in 1773 as the capital of St Elizabeth, and thereafter became the parish's main commercial and trans-shipment centre and one of the two most important towns in the island.

Black River, unquestionably, is a town of firsts.

In 1903, Jamaica's first motor car - a four-cylinder 'New Orleans' made in Twickenham in England - was driven in Black River. It was owned by H.W. Griffiths of Hodges Pen. Black River was also the first town in Jamaica to have telephone service.

The Waterloo House, which now operates as a guest house, was also the first in Jamaica and among the first in the western hemisphere to have electricity. The house is believed to have been originally owned by relatives of English playwright William Shakespeare. Black River was also among the first towns in Jamaica to have piped water.

There are numerous other historical buildings which remain as testament to the economic and commercial powerhouse that Black River once was. Among them are:

The Black River Anglican Church (also known as the St John's Parish Church).

It was originally built in 1770 and is located at the corner of High and North streets.

Magdala House

Historical records show that this two-storey Victorian building was constructed by William Farguharson of Leyden and Farquharson Shipping Company. The partners were two of the richest men in Jamaica in the mid-1880s.

Invercauld Great House

Located at High Street in the town, Invercauld is another example of late Jamaica Georgian architecture. It also operates as a hotel.

The Black River Hospital

A section of what is now the Black River Hospital was once a British military base. A base in Black River was imperative because of the town's location on the coast.

The Black River CourtHouse

This structure dates back to the first half of the 1800s. It is made from reinforced concrete and sits near the Caribbean Sea. It also served as the town hall in the past.

- Stories by Claudia Gardner

A section of High Street in Black River.

The St John's Parish Church.

The Waterloo Guest House in Black River.