Sevilla La Nueva or New Seville was the first permanent European settlement in Jamaica, the first capital of Jamaica and the third capital established by Spain in the Americas. It was founded in 1509 by
Juan de Esquivel who arrived with 80 citizens and their families.
In 1518, due to health concerns arising from Sevilla la Nueva's proximity to a
mangrove swamp, the settlement was moved to higher ground at a location which was only a short distance away from the first site. This settlement was known simply as Sevilla. In 1534 the town's population was largely relocated again, this time to
Spanish Town (''Villa de la Vega'') on the south side of Jamaica. A few inhabitants appear to have remained until 1554 when they were killed after
French corsairs
Corsairs (french: corsaire) were privateers, authorized to conduct raids on shipping of a nation at war with France, on behalf of the French crown. Seized vessels and cargo were sold at auction, with the corsair captain entitled to a portion of ...
attacked the settlement.
Notes
External links
Britannica - Sevilla la Nueva
Populated places in Jamaica
Populated places established in 1509
Former populated places in the Caribbean
{{Jamaica-geo-stub