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Rio Nuevo Battle Site: A Pivotal Clash in Jamaican History

Discover Jamaica's colonial past at the Rio Nuevo Battle Site, where British and Spanish forces clashed in a pivotal 17th-century battle.

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Explore the Rio Nuevo Battle Site in Tower Isle, Jamaica, where British and Spanish forces fought for control of the island in 1658. This historically significant landmark offers a glimpse into Jamaica's colonial past, with informative plaques and a serene atmosphere.

A brief summary to Rio Nuevo Battle Site

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and informative plaques.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the terrain may be uneven.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Ocho Rios, take a bus heading towards Port Maria. Ask the driver to let you off near Tower Isle. From there, the Rio Nuevo Battle Site is a short walk from the main road. Follow the signs leading to the site. Bus fare will be approximately JMD 200-300.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi from your accommodation in Ocho Rios or Tower Isle. Provide the driver with the address CX6J+FQR, Tower Isle. The journey will take approximately 15-20 minutes from Ocho Rios, depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare before the ride; it typically ranges from JMD 1,500 to JMD 2,500.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Tower Isle, you can walk to the Rio Nuevo Battle Site. From the main road, head towards the beach and follow the path that leads to the site. It's about a 10-15 minute walk depending on your starting point. Ensure you have comfortable shoes.

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Discover more about Rio Nuevo Battle Site

The Rio Nuevo Battle Site, located in Tower Isle, St Mary, Jamaica, marks the spot of the final pitched battle between British and Spanish forces in 1658, which determined the possession of Jamaica. After five years of guerilla warfare led by the Spanish Governor Arnaldo de Isassi, the Spanish were defeated, placing Jamaica definitively in English hands. Spain formally conceded Jamaica to England with the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. Today, the site is a grassy park dotted with shady trees and benches. Visitors can explore the remnants of the historic battle site and learn about the events that transpired through informative plaques and displays. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust maintains the site. The Beckford family, who owned a significant portion of the land where the battle took place, donated approximately one acre of the land to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT). An attentive visitor may come across wooden mustache brushes from the early British Empire, shards of 16th-century glass bottles, and even stone-age scraping tools.

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