Balaclava, Jamaica
| Balaclava | |
|---|---|
| Small Town | |
  Balaclava | |
| Coordinates: 18°10′14″N 77°38′54″W / 18.1705429°N 77.6483631°WCoordinates: 18°10′14″N 77°38′54″W / 18.1705429°N 77.6483631°W | |
| Country | Jamaica |
| Parish | St Elizabeth |
| Elevation[1] | 251 m (823 ft) |
| Population [2] | |
| • Estimate (2009) | 2,786 |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
Balaclava is a small town in St Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Balacalva has a lively, outdoor Market. The St Luke Anglican Church, where many victims of the infamous Kendall Train Crash (1957) are buried, is a historical treasure and museum.
Nearby the village of Marlborough Hill offers great scenic walks and tranquility. The Armstrong bar provides relaxation, local entertainment and great conversation with everyday Jamaicans. The town was established around the plantations of the Arscott & Sherman families in the late 1700s. Graves of these families can be found in the cemetery of St.Luke's Anglican church. One of the plantation style houses still remains, and commands sweeping views of the Appleton Estate (Rum)sugar cane fields, as well as the foothills of the Cockpit Country.
Transport
Road
The B6 (Montpelier to Shooters Hill) runs through Balaclava.
Rail
Station
The now disused Balaclava railway station served the Kingston to Montego Bay main line. The station opened c1892[3] and closed in October 1992 when all passenger traffic on Jamaica's railways abruptly ceased.[4][5]
Train accident
A serious train derailment occurred at this station on July 30, 1938 killing 32 and injuring 70.[6]
See also
- Railway stations in Jamaica
- Lists of rail accidents
External links
- Aerial view.
- Photos: Balaclava main street, Balalava main street (small), Balaclava station (small), Balaclava police station.
- Opening of Balaclava railway station, Daily Gleaner, 1892-03-24 via thephangsisters.moonfruit.com.
References
- ↑ UK Directorate of Overseas Surveys 1:50,000 map of Jamaica sheet D, 1959.
- ↑ World Gazetteer
- ↑ Montego Bay Railway Station, Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
- ↑ The rise and fall of railways in Jamaica, 1845-1975 - Pg18 Journal of Transport History - March 2003.
- ↑ Jamaica Gleaner, Pieces of the Past, Tragedy at Kendal - 1957, bullet point 10 under the subheading "Jamaica's Railway History"
- ↑ Jamaica Gleaner, Pieces of the Past, Tragedy at Kendal - 1957, bullet point 6 under the subheading "Jamaica's Railway History"