Charles Town

Parish: Portland

Charles Town is located inland near the town of Buff Bay in the parish of Portland. The settlement emerged around 1754. Charles Town as a Maroon Community was not named on maps until 1832. Prior to this date, it was identified as New Crawford Town. Unlike other Maroon settlements Charles Town is not located in the deep mountain valleys, but rather, on the flat coastal plains. It is one of four major Maroon settlements in Jamaica. The others are Accompong, St. Elizabeth, Scotts Hall, St. Mary and Moore Town in Portland.

Three major attractions in the community are the museum, the library and the Asafu Ground. In front of the museum is a library which has many books on Maroon heritage. The Asafu Ground is the venue of the annual Charles Town Maroon celebrations.

Charles Town is regarded by the Maroons as the haunt of Quao, Maroon leader and hero.

Unlike other Charles Town is settled by both Maroons and Non-Maroons. In Charles Town are many distinct Jamaican Vernacular buildings which can be seen on either side of the road. In the community is a Maroon cemetery where many Maroons are buried. The cemetery is regarded as sacred and is maintained by settlers.

Charles Town