The Maroons 1655-1740

Abstract

This document provides a detailed historical review of the Jamaican Maroons from 1655 to 1740. It examines the origins of the Maroon communities following the English conquest of Jamaica, their settlement patterns, agricultural practices, leadership structures, and military strategies against colonial forces. It highlights the development of Maroon society in the Blue Mountains and Clarendon, their relations with enslaved Africans and colonial settlers, and the role of guerilla warfare in resisting enslavement. The narrative includes references to key figures such as Cudjoe and Juan de Bolas, descriptions of Maroon towns such as Nanny Town and Guy’s Town, and the broader political and cultural impact of Maroons in shaping Jamaican resistance and identity.