National Library of Jamaica PHOTOS - Tower Street was not spared the wrath of the 1907 earthquake. This photo as was taken on January 14, 1907.The year 2007 marks the centenary of the great Kingston earthquake and fire which ravaged the capital city on that fateful afternoon of Monday, January 14, 1907. To commemorate the centenary of this historic natural disaster, The Institute of Jamaica, through its divisions, the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Museums of History and Ethnography, will be opening the exhibition 'Quake', on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Institute of Jamaica Exhibition Gallery, corner of East and Tower streets, Kingston.
The 1907 earthquake is widely regarded as one of the most devastating natural disasters to affect Jamaica. It left in its wake widespread destruction and devastation, with hundreds lying dead in the streets. The loss of life was estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,500 persons and included many prominent merchants and professional men. So great was the death toll that some were buried in large trenches in May Pen Cemetery.
many houses damaged
Almost every house in the city was damaged and many churches, public offices, and hotels were wrecked. Property damage was estimated to be between £1million and £1.5 million. The fire that ensued finished the work of destruction and within hours, the buzzing commercial district of Kingston was rendered a heap of smouldering ashes and crumbled infrastructure.
One of the most devastating natural disasters to affect Jamaica, the 1907 earthquake is also arguably the most photographed event in our history. 'Quake' will utilize a large number of photographs to show a comparative view of Kingston before, during and after the devastation. The aim is to show the devastation that the earthquake caused, as well as its effects on the city's later development.
'Quake' will be opened by Mr. Franklin McDonald, 2005 Silver Musgrave medallist and director of the Institute for Sustainable Development, and will run until February 28.
