Black River
Black River was once the center for the logging trade. Logwood trees, which still are found in small numbers, were harvested for the Logwood dye which was more commonly known as Prussian-blue dye that had a worldwide demand. In 1893, Black River was at the height of prosperity when the Waterloo house became the
first residential building to have electricity in Jamaica.
About Black River
Black River was once the center for the logging trade. Logwood trees, which still are found in small numbers, were harvested for the Logwood dye which was more commonly known as Prussian-blue dye that had a worldwide demand. In 1893, Black River was at the height of prosperity when the Waterloo house became the
first residential building to have electricity in Jamaica. A horse racetrack and gambling houses kept the action going until 1900 when much of the town was leveled by a huge explosion. Today Black River is good example of a town that has seen better days but still functions as a marketplace and river port. The people are very friendly and many people speak German from the days of an early German immigrant settlement.
Places to See
Historic Black River
Jamaica's South Coast where sleepy fishing villages, miles of beaches, centuries old great houses, natural waterfalls and wetlands create an unspoiled natural atmosphere for adventure, relaxation or quiet wonder. The river, after which the town was named, has long been believed to be the longest in Jamaica, though recent research has revealed that that title may belong to the Rio Minho. Flowing from the Cockpit Country in the north, where 17th Century runaway slaves found refuge and today remains largely unexplored and uncharted, through the Lower Morass, which is the largest wetland wildlife habitat in the Caribbean, and finally through the town of Black River where it enters the sea, the river offers much for the adventurous at heart. Long ignored as a tourist destination, Black River and it's surrounding areas, and the small farming and fishing communities still retain the flavor of "old" Jamaica, in it's natural setting; historic buildings, waterfalls, farms, wildlife, plants and fauna.
Black River Safari
Located in the heart of one of the largest swamps in the Caribbean is the historic town of Black River where the 44 mile long Black River meets the Caribbean. A journey up the river through the Black River National Park awaits you where numerous varieties of flora and fauna can be seen in their natural habitat, totally unspoiled for thousands of years. A motor launch leaves the old rum warehouse jetty at the mouth of river for a seven mile guided tour through what experts say is as interesting and beautiful as the Florida Everglades. On the boat trip you will see a variety of colorful blooming flowers such as Water Hyacinth, Lilies, Ferns, Morning Glories to name a few. It is said that there are over 100 species of birds making their homes in the river bank and it's tributaries including seven types of Herons. Upon entering one of Jamaica's National Parks you may even see crocodiles which bask on the river banks in the heat of the day. These docile reptiles can grow up to 18-20 feet in length, but don't worry they are more scared of you than you are of them! They are happy just lazing in the sun and ignoring the rest of the world. Along the river banks you will see fishermen collecting their catch of freshwater shrimp and crabs in their dugout canoes. These canoes and the style of fishing has been handed down from generation to generation for over 300 years and are very similar to those found on the Niger River in West Africa. Black River and the St. Bess Attractions are located on the south coast of Jamaica, 45 miles (75km) east of Negril, 65 miles (110km) south of Montego Bay and 35 miles (60km) west of Mandeville. From whichever way you travel, the journey through the countryside is beautiful and unspoilt and the roads are good. River tours leave the Wharf at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day, and their fleet consists of two 25-seater boats and four 10-seater boats. For a real adventure, hire a fishing boat on the town side of the river and go up into the morass even further than the normal tourist boats travel.
Y.S. Falls
YS is the shortest place name in Jamaica. YS was originally a cane farm, with a factory. YS Estate was also a supplier of logwood for export to Europe. The heart of the logwood tree was used for the purpose of making dye. By 1887 the property had changed hands many times and was held in the Encumbered Estates Court in London. At that time, Great Grand Uncle (John Browne) of the present owner, Cecil Browne, had traveled to London to purchase a property in St. Ann. However, upon arrival in London, that property had been sold. John Browne wanting a property with a river running through it bought YS Estate, sight unseen. YS continued to grow cane, reap logwood trees and raise cattle. With the introduction of synthetic dyes, the need for logwood dwindled. In the 1960's cane was phased out. In the 1950's, the present owner, Cecil Browne, started to breed and raise thoroughbred horses. Cecil Browne continued the breeding and raising of cattle, but now, focuses on the Jamaica Red Poll cattle, which is a pedigreed herd. Simon Browne, youngest son of Cecil Browne, opened YS in 1992 to the public, living out his lifelong wish. However, Simon Browne only wanted to admit 25 persons a day, but the popularity of YS Falls exceeded that. However, Simon monitors numbers to ensure that the natural beauty of YS is not destroyed by inquisitive feet. YS Falls is closed on Mondays and all Local Public Holidays.
Rainy months are May and October and at this time the river generally comes down in spate and swimming may be suspended. Opening Hours: 9:30am - 3:30pm. Reservations can not be made over the Internet but you can E-mail them for information at ysfalls [at] cwjamaica.com .