Folly Point Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built on Folly Point, across the bay from Port Antonio, in 1888. The need for a lighthouse in this area became more apparent with the growth of the banana trade industry. At the end of the nineteenth century, growing bananas to be sold abroad became a profitable business for farmers of the eastern parishes. The lighthouse therefore facilitated the arrival of the boats of the Boston Fruit Company, later known as the United Fruit Company, to load bananas at Port Antonio harbour. Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the western hemisphere. From 1876 to 1929, the island was the world’s largest producer, until it was overtaken by Honduras. The trade brought much prosperity to Port Antonio, which was then the headquarters of the banana trade. The trade also brought an additional benefit to the area as the banana boats brought the first tourists to the island, among who were Alfred and Annie Olivia Tiffany Mitchell, the first owners of the Folly Mansion. The lighthouse was therefore crucial in guiding these and other vessels safely into the Port Antonio harbour.

Folly Point remains an active lighthouse. It is solar-powered and stands about 16.5 metres (54 feet) tall. It is erected on limestone and coral. The tower is made of masonry and is fireproof throughout. The lighting apparatus flashes a white light for two seconds followed by eight seconds of darkness. The light is visible for a distance of 21 kilometres (13 miles).
On the grounds is a garden, and from the lighthouse one can see amazing views of Port Antonio and Navy Island. One can also take in the waves of the Caribbean Sea crashing on the shore.

Most of the original design features have survived intact; however, the lighthouse is in need of repainting. The tower is structurally sound, and the site is substantially unchanged.