Hanover is one of the fourteen parishes that make up the island of Jamaica. It is the second smallest of them all and is beaten in this regard only by the parish of Kingston. Hanover was named after a German royal family. The parish of Hanover is situated in the county of Cornwall and is bordered by two other parishes. These are Saint James and Westmoreland. The capital of Hanover is a town called Lucea.
The terrain of Hanover is for the most part mountainous in nature, with the Dolphin’s Head Mountain being most worthy of note in the parish. Unlike other sections of the island where there are long stretches of beautiful beaches, here you will find mostly coves and bays. Two rivers can be found in Hanover, they are the Lucea East River, and the Lucea West River. The parish is also blessed with a few small waterfalls, the Dry Hill, Kempshot, and Paradise waterfalls.
The Hanover of today is a far cry from what it was in former years. Back then it was a bustling seaport where the emphasis was on sugar and various forms of commercial activities were being carried out. These days while small farming plays a big role in terms of the economy of the parish of Hanover it comes in at second behind tourism. The history of Hanover is a big drawing card as people come to see the Great House and learn more about the rich cultural history of the parish, among other things. The farming that now takes place involve the cultivation on a small scale of arrowroot, breadfruit, ginger, sugar cane, and yams. Livestock such as pigs, cattle, and goats, are also reared in small quantities
The Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea provides the bulk of the health services for the people of Hanover. Private doctors and clinics around the parish supplement this service. Green Island High, Merlene Ottey Comprehensive High, and Ruseas Comprehensive High, are just some of the educational institutions that are playing an important role in helping to educate the generation of tomorrow’s Jamaica. Ruseas Comprehensive High School is considered unique in that it offers courses at not one but two campuses. As small as the parish of Hanover is, to get around walking is not really a feasible option. Taxis and buses provide a suitable alternative, and if visitors so desire rental cars are available. For the visitor to Hanover seeking comfortable and affordable accommodations these are available. One such is the Rhodes Hall Plantation.
The parish of Hanover, and Lucea in particular, is steeped in history, which is sure to be appreciated by the history-minded individual. It possesses a museum and a fort. It is interesting to note that there is a clock atop the Lucea courthouse that was erected in the town back in 1817. This clock is still working today at the time of writing this. The parish also sports a world-class golf course at Tryall, which has been the venue for international tournaments in the past. Tryall is a former sugar plantation, which has undergone some significant changes, making it worth a visit if you happen to be in the parish.