1907 Earthquake Monument, Portmore Travel Guide

The 1907 Earthquake Monument serves as a solemn reminder of the earthquake that struck Kingston on January 14, 1907. The earthquake, which lasted 36 seconds and registered a magnitude of 6.5, resulted in over 1,000 deaths and widespread destruction throughout the city. The monument is built over the graves of 501 unidentified victims of the disaster.The impetus for the monument arose from concerns about the neglected state of the burial trenches. John McKenzie, then Superintendent of the May Pen Cemetery, initiated the effort, and The Gleaner Company launched a fundraising campaign in 1908. The public response was overwhelming, and the monument was completed and unveiled on June 2, 1909.The earthquake not only devastated Kingston but also triggered tsunamis along Jamaica's north coast. The monument stands as a symbol of the city's recovery and the enduring spirit of its people. It also led to significant changes in the island's building codes, promoting the use of concrete over brick in construction. Today, the monument offers a space for reflection on the past and appreciation for the community's strength.