Negril was named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494 but has little history except as a haven for shipping. In 1702 British Admiral Benbow sailed into Negril and regrouped his forces after his ill-fated encounter with the French under Admiral DuCasse and in 1818 fifty warships and 6,600 men sailed from Negril to tackle the American rebels and were put to fight the battle of New Orleans. The infamous Pirates Calico Jack and Anne Bonney were captured in Negril and were executed near Port Royal.
Negril remained relatively unknown until the 60’s and 70’s, when American “flower children”, college kids and Vietnam veterans gravitated towards the West End. They lived in the homes of locals and shared family meals and came in ever increasing numbers.
Soon more luxurious hotels were built which appealed to a wider range of visitor and visitor numbers increased significantly.
