Way Back When
Black River Heritage Tour

Way Back When (Black River Heritage Tour) explores the historic town of Black River, capital of St. Elizabeth.

The tour digs deep into the colourful past of this small town, best known for its beautiful river, and the fact that it was the first town in Jamaica to be lit by electricity.

Step back in time and get to know the events and the characters that helped shape Black River’s history from the 17th century onwards. You'll find a cast of progressive thinkers, quirky civil servants, strong enslaved individuals, merchants, mistresses, soldiers, and ordinary townspeople with an irreverent sense of humour.

Here's a quick look at one of our walks. If you hover the mouse pointer over an image, the slide show will pause.

You'll hear stories that have been handed down through generations. You'll laugh, and you might even feel to cry.

You'll experience the flavour of Black River today as people go about their everyday business, in a town which has seen its fair share of ups and downs. As you walk through the streets of the town, our exploration will uncover a lot about Jamaica’s past.

This trip through time is a walk which lasts just under two hours, including rest stops. The actual time spent walking is less than an hour - you'll be so involved you won't feel the time pass!

The walk begins at the centuries-old Parish Church and ends at Waterloo Guesthouse, the 19th century landmark which was the first house in Jamaica to be powered by electric current. The bar at Waterloo is open for business!

It's advisable to wear a hat, lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. Please bring drinking water - in an effort to reduce plastic pollution, we no longer provide bottled water.

For pricing and further information contact us at 876-319-3356, email waybackwhenwalk@gmail.com.

Way Back When

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Excellent tour 
This was an excellent tour. Black River has an interesting history, which was explained by Allison who's a friendly and accomplished guide. Thoroughly …

Black River Historical tour Review (Way Back When) 
We loved every minute of the tour and found it to be informative, entertaining and a pure delight! Highly recommend it to anyone in the region or visiting. …

Way Back When is Superb  
Allison is highly knowledgeable, and after this great walking tour, you get the feeling that you could take the Way Back When tour several times and get …

Great tour - Way Back When 
I got a brief sample of the "Way Back When' tour of Black River on it's opening day and it's just given me a taste for more. It's a very well presented …

Way back when review Not rated yet
I was looking for scenes of old Jamaica and specifically for a Macka Fat tree when I discovered this page. I loved it. Thank you. The picture labeled "What …

Fantastic tour with so much information! Not rated yet
I took this tour and reviewed it on my Jamaica blog in January 2013. All I have to say is that Allison Morris is amazing. I love that she cares so much …

Way Back When --- My video review / 5 Stars.... Not rated yet
I just spent over an hour reading about Jamaica and especially Black River on your site. I was born and raised in Jamaica and my grandparents lived in …

Way Back When - Who Knew!!  Not rated yet
It was so wonderful of Allison to do the tour just for little old me! After being in and around Black River quite a bit it was very interesting to "see" …

Way Back When Review  Not rated yet
Wow....what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. My group consisted of five people, 3 local and 2 visitors. We got off to a nice early start, …

A very personal, moving heritage tour (Bring your hankies - you just might need them) Not rated yet
Allison takes you on a journey into the past that gives you a true perspective of what Black River was like. Not just a description of the historic buildings, …

Way Back When Review Not rated yet
It was a 'wonderful' experience for the opportunity to connect with people,places, events and family stories surrounding the Black River that I have come …

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