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Sam Sharpe Square: A Historic Heart of Montego Bay

Explore Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay: a vibrant hub of history, culture, and remembrance of Jamaica's fight for emancipation and national hero Sam Sharpe.

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Sam Sharpe Square, located in the heart of Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a historic square named after national hero Samuel Sharpe. Once known as Charles Square, it was renamed in 1976 to honor Sharpe's role in the 1831-32 Emancipation War. The square features monuments, historic buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere, offering a glimpse into Jamaica's rich history and culture.

A brief summary to Sam Sharpe Square

  • F3FG+CRX, Montego Bay, JM

Local tips

  • Visit the Montego Bay Museum in the Civic Centre to delve deeper into the history of the area, from the Arawak people to the abolition of slavery.
  • Take some time to explore the square and admire the architecture of the surrounding Georgian buildings.
  • Be prepared for a sensory overload with the bustling activity of street vendors and local taxis.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Sam Sharpe Square is located in the heart of downtown Montego Bay, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. If you are coming from the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue), walk east towards the city center. The square is a central hub, and you'll find it surrounded by shops and other landmarks. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses and route taxis frequently pass through Sam Sharpe Square. From various points in Montego Bay, you can catch a bus or route taxi heading downtown. Fares typically range from JMD 130 to JMD 300 depending on the distance. Route taxis only accept cash, so have small notes available.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Montego Bay and can take you directly to Sam Sharpe Square. Negotiate the fare before entering the taxi. A short trip within the city center should cost between $10-$40 USD (approximately JMD 1500-6000). Private taxis may quote prices in US dollars.

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Discover more about Sam Sharpe Square

Sam Sharpe Square is a bustling, cobblestone square that stands as a testament to Jamaica's history and its fight for freedom. Originally named Charles Square, it was renamed in 1976 to honor Samuel Sharpe, a Jamaican national hero and leader of the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, who was hanged there. Sharpe, a Baptist minister, advocated for non-violent protest against slavery, eventually leading the Emancipation War. The square is home to several significant landmarks : * **The Sam Sharpe Monument:** Designed by Kay Sullivan, this bronze monument portrays Sharpe holding a Bible and speaking to his people, commemorating his courageous struggle against slavery. * **The Cage:** A small brick and stone structure that once served as a jail for runaway slaves, vagrants, and drunks, now often used as a place to sell souvenirs. * **The Civic Centre:** Originally built in 1803 as the Montego Bay Courthouse, where many enslaved Africans, including Sam Sharpe, were tried. It was restored in 2001 after a fire and now houses the Montego Bay Museum, showcasing the area's history and culture. * **The Freedom Monument:** Erected in 2007 to memorialize the enslaved persons who participated in the 1831-32 war of emancipation. Today, Sam Sharpe Square is a vibrant hub of activity, filled with street vendors, local taxis, and people from all walks of life. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Jamaican culture, explore the island's heritage, and reflect on the fight for freedom.

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