Savanna-la-Mar
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Savanna-la-Mar
Savanna-la-mar (often abbreviated to Sav-la-mar or simply "Sav" by locals) is the capital of Westmoreland Parish.
Over recent years its importance as a town has diminished relative to tourism Mecca of Negril.
The town was established by the Spanish in 1730 and was named Savanna-la-mar, meaning "The plain by the sea".
Savanna-la-mar currently sports several historic buildings, including one of the most handsome schools in Jamaica.
Sadly, the most memorable events in the town's history is a series of three hurricanes which caused massive destruction.
The first one to hit the newly established town was in 1748 which caused almost total destruction.
Another hurricane hit in 1780, allegedly causing the sea to rise to such a degree that ships were found stranded amongst the trees.
A third hurricane struck in 1912, causing a schooner to be washed in to town.
Nowadays the town's economic activities centre around sugar, retail and occasional benefits from the Negril tourism trade.
Places of interest in Savanna-la-mar
The Court House Westmoreland Parish Church The Fountain
The Old Fort
Manning's School
© 2008 Jamaica Travel and Culture .com
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