History of Montego Bay
Columbus was the first tourist to land on the bay in the summer of 1494, though with different designs. He named it El Golfo Buen Tiempo. The Spanish settlers in the Fort area called it Bahia de Mantega, a name derived from the Spanish name for pig lard; which was exported from the area in large quantities. The British occupation led to development of large sugar cane fields in the city. And the modern city took shape on one of the sugar cane fields in early 1700. The area is now known by Sam Sharpe Square and Barnett Town. The Fort located close to the city was for protection against the pirates, however the city in its history has never been ravaged by the pirates.