PORT-Royal, a sea-port town of America, in the island of Jamaica. It was once one of the finest sea-port towns in America, abounding in riches and trade; but
but in 1692 it was destroyed by an earthquake, in 1702 by fire, in 1722 by an inundation of the sea, and in 1744 it suffered greatly by a hurricane. It is now but a small place; and yet it consists of three handsome streets, with several cross lanes, and a fine church. Not many years ago there was a yard built here for the king's naval stores, and for workmen employed about men of war. It is built on a small neck of land which jets out several miles into the sea, and is guarded by a very strong fort, which has a line of near 100 pieces of cannon, and a garrison of soldiers. The harbour is one of the best in the world, and 1000 ships may ride therein, secure from every wind that can blow. It is six miles east of Spanishtown, and as much by water south-east of Kingston. W. Long. 77. 0. N. Lat. 17. 30.