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    United States: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Go Now!

    United States
    Explore the vast openness and wildlife found roaming in the western United States, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured) in North Dakota. Begin Your Journey!

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    Trinidad & Tobago: Beautiful Coastline. Go Now!

    Trinidad & Tobago
    These Caribbean islands mix Indian, African, and European cultures alongside beautiful beaches. Go Now!

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    St. Kitts & Nevis: Nevis Island. Go Now!

    St. Kitts & Nevis
    This island nation mixes aspects of European, African, and Caribbean culture... not to mention incredible beaches. Go Now!

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    Honduras: Children. Go Now!

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    The original banana republic, Honduras has made a name for itself with the banana trade; however foreign influences have also vastly altered the culture. Go Now!

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    Mexico: Sunrise over the mountains in Puerto Vallarta. Go Now!

    Mexico
    Although many people just go for the beaches, Mexico offers impressive mountain vistas (pictured in Puerto Vallarta), great food, and historic ruins that compete with the best in the world. Begin Your Journey!

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    Barbados: Pier on the beach. Go Now!

    Barbados
    This Caribbean island has hints of British culture, but is wholly Caribbean as well. Explore Barbados!

Architecture of Jamaica

Jamaican Architecture - Lighthouse
Lighthouse

The architecture of Jamaica is somewhat limited as no true buildings exist from the pre-Columbian times. Even the first settlers left little behind as most early architecture was made from wood or other local resources that have been lost to time. Today nearly every architectural piece of note is in the capital of Kingston, although numerous sugar plantation mansions are sporadically spread across the island.

Many of the oldest buildings in Jamaica today were built in the late 1700s and later. During this time the Georgian style was popular and was adopted in Jamaica with some significant changes. Of these early structures, those still standing tend to be civil projects, such as government buildings and train stations.

Through the 1800s and into the 1900s the style slowly changed as foreign influences arrived and left. The Spanish encouraged large veranda and balconies, while the British brought in the Baroque and Neo-Classical styles. Due to the hot weather in Jamaica these influences eventually became something unique to Jamaica as a new style developed.

Also during the 1800s and 1900s modern building materials and techniques were brought to Jamaica. This has led to the construction of numerous tall housing and commercial complexes as well as a limited amount of post-modern architecture. Again, most of these modern buildings are in the capital of Kingston.

This page was last updated: March, 2013