Bump Grave: Resting Place For Jamaica's only National Heroine



Jamaica is filled with historic landmarks and memorials but one of the most meaningful Jamaican sites that I've visited is the final resting place of Nanny of the Maroons. She was an 18th century freedom fighter and brilliant military strategist who fought for independence from the British  High up in the Blue Mountains of Portland, Nanny Town was established as a settlement for Nanny and maroons, or Africans who escaped and fought against slavery  Dating from when a truce was signed with the British in 1739, Nanny Town has remained an independent community that retains the language and customs of  their Ghanaian ancestors. The current leader of  Nanny Town, Colonel Wallace Sterling guided my group to the enclosed park that houses Bump Grave.  I'll explore more about Nanny Town and its history in another post. The Jamaican government erected a monument to recognize Nanny's resting place and it overlooks the dense mountains of Portland, symbolizing the freedom and strength of Nanny and her people.

Comments

A Cuban In London said…
I love these history lessons. I have read a bit about the Maroons but did not know about Nanny.

Greetings from London.
February 3, 2016 at 1:59 PM
Fly Girl said…
Cubano, Nanny often gets overlooked for the male warrior Cudjoe. I'm glad that she is finally getting some recognition now.
February 3, 2016 at 3:28 PM
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