Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain, originally part of the Town of Roxbury, was first called "the Pond Plain" - referring both to Jamaica Pond and the type of land that surrounded it. As early as 1667 it was mentioned in the official record of the conveyance of the property of Hugh Thomas for the benefit of a school "to the people at the Jamaica end of the Town of Roxbury". Legend suggests that the name derives from the fondness of the residents for Jamaica rum from that West Indian island and that they preferred it "plain". The fact that the island of Jamaica had not long before been taken from the Spaniards by England's Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and that its rum, sugar, and other products had already found their way to the port of Boston, forms the background for the legend. A tale told of an Indian woman and her children, who lived on the shore of the pond, probably comes nearer to the truth. The woman, named Jamaica, was much given to hospitality, and the section at that time was spoken of as "The Plain". It was a favorite drive for people in Roxbury, and they visited Jamaica, their expression being "Let's take a ride to the Plain and visit Jamaica." Yes, Jamaica Plain is a part of the City of Boston; no, it is not its own town. Diversity is the strength of “JP,” to which it is lovingly referred by residents. Every ethnicity, socio-economic stratum, and sexual orientation is well represented in this neighborhood sandwiched primarily between Roxbury and Brookline. The rich diversity in JP has created a strong character of social awareness and tolerance among neighbors and residents.