Kingston became Jamaica’s principal commercial centre after Port Royal’s decline.
Kingston was founded in 1692 after the earthquake that devastated Port Royal. The new settlement stood around a safer harbour on the mainland and gradually attracted merchants, residents, and government activity. Its location helped it develop into Jamaica’s major trading centre.
Port Royal had previously dominated Jamaica’s maritime economy and had strong connections with privateers and pirates. The earthquake, tsunami, fires, and continuing instability damaged its importance. Although Port Royal survived as a smaller settlement, Kingston increasingly replaced it as the island’s leading port.
Kingston’s rise was gradual rather than an immediate result of the earthquake. The city’s later importance also reflected Jamaica’s expanding plantation economy and Atlantic trade. It should not be confused with Nassau, which became the chief pirate gathering place in the Bahamas.