Sam Sharpe Square

In the heart of Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second-largest city, lies Sam Sharpe Square, a significant historical landmark that commemorates one of the country’s national heroes, Samuel Sharpe.

Samuel Sharpe, affectionately known as Sam Sharpe, was a Baptist deacon and enslaved man who played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s history. He was the leader of the infamous Christmas Rebellion (also known as the Baptist War) of 1831-1832, one of the largest and most significant slave uprisings in the Caribbean that catalyzed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

The square that carries his name was previously known as Charles Square, but it was renamed Sam Sharpe Square in 1983 to honor Sharpe’s brave efforts in the fight for freedom. At the center of the square stands a statue of Samuel Sharpe, a symbol of his enduring legacy. He is depicted in a powerful pose, holding the broken chain of slavery.

Sam Sharpe Square is also home to other significant monuments and landmarks. One of these is the Cage, a small brick building constructed in 1806 that originally served as a jail for runaway slaves, disorderly seamen, and vagrants. Today, it stands as a solemn reminder of Montego Bay’s dark past during the era of slavery.

Adjacent to the Cage is the Civic Centre, a beautiful Georgian-style building that serves as a cultural and historical hub. It houses the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, which includes a museum and an art gallery showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

One more notable landmark is the Freedom Monument, dedicated to the 500+ enslaved people who lost their lives during the 1831-1832 rebellion. The monument, consisting of seven bronze figures intertwined in unity and strength, symbolizes the people’s struggle for freedom and their unyielding spirit.

Sam Sharpe Square is more than just a public space; it is a tangible link to Jamaica’s history of resilience and the long struggle for freedom. This historical square invites visitors to pause, reflect, and pay homage to the sacrifices made by Samuel Sharpe and many others in the fight against slavery. Whether you’re wandering past the landmarks, visiting the museum, or simply taking a moment beneath the watchful gaze of Samuel Sharpe’s statue, a visit to Sam Sharpe Square offers a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s past and its journey to independence.