Bluefields is located in the south western parish of Westmoreland. It was originally called Oristan and was established in 1519 by Diego Columbus. Oristan was one of the earliest  settlements in Jamaica. It is believed to have derived its name after a town in Sardinia, The date of the name change  to Bluefields is uncertain, however, it was in cartographic use from the late 1600’s.

After the Spaniards were overthrown by the English, Bluefields became a popular port for pirates such as Henry Morgan ( later one of the first Governors of Jamaica) and seafarers like Captain Bligh of The Bounty, who brought breadfruit and Ackee to the island.  Both lived at Bluefields Great House briefly as did Philip Gosse the famous naturalist.

Captain Bligh's Breadfruit Tree

The area was much favoured for agriculture. The early English settlers planted crops such as cotton, indigo and later sugar. Many large sugar estates developed around the area including Bluefields, Belmont, Shafston, Oristano and Mt. Edgecombe Estates. With the decline of the sugar industry, the logwood and pimento trade succeeded in the 19th. Century.

 Several great houses such as the Bluefields, Oristano and Shafston Great Houses still exist today as physical symbols of the glorious era of the sugar industry.

Bluefields Great House

 The ruins of a fort and several huge dug out canoes can be seen locally. This emphasises the strategic  defensive importance of the area 17th. and 18th. centuries.

 The ethnic diversity of the present inhabitants, the place names and architecture (Scottish, Irish, French, Dutch, Spanish and African origin) are a vivid reminder of the colourful history and culture of Bluefields.

Bluefields Beach

Environmentally Sustainable, Community Tourism at its Best’