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The Cage Sam Sharpe Square

4.3
·4 reviews·Montego Bay, Jamaica

A historic 1822 brick structure in Montego Bay's Sam Sharpe Square, once a temporary lockup for various individuals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for exploring the square

CrowdMedium
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Local Lockup

The Cage Sam Sharpe Square

Best Time

Daytime

Best for exploring the square

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1822 brick structure in Montego Bay's Sam Sharpe Square, once a temporary lockup for various individuals.

4.3
(4 reviews)

"A unique little structure with an interesting history that is definitely worth a stop if you're in Montego Bay. Reddit"

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TIP

📸 Capture the History

Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and imagine its past. Great for a quick photo op!

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Square

Combine your visit to The Cage with a stroll around Sam Sharpe Square to soak in the local vibe.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Cage Structure

The Historic Cage Structure

Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay

A small, 1822 brick building with a storied past as a temporary prison for various individuals.

Sam Sharpe Square

Sam Sharpe Square

Montego Bay

The bustling square surrounding The Cage, offering a glimpse into local life and historical context.

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A Glimpse into History

The Cage in Sam Sharpe Square is a historical landmark with a unique past. Originally built in 1806, it served as a temporary lockup. Its brick structure dates back to 1822, and it's a fascinating stop for history buffs.

Location and Context

Situated in the heart of Montego Bay, The Cage is part of the vibrant Sam Sharpe Square. It's a quick visit, perfect for understanding the area's historical significance amidst modern life.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for exploring the square
Crowd
Medium
When
During local events
Why
Experience the vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #fypシ #foruyoupage #jamaica #montegobay #plasticbag #friends #friends #rafting
@richhlanze
575.3K likes • 12.1M views

📸 Capture the History

Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and imagine its past. Great for a quick photo op! Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Square

Combine your visit to The Cage with a stroll around Sam Sharpe Square to soak in the local vibe. Reddit

Life is short book that trip!!!! #jamaica #riumontegobay
@mya_rose456
112.9K likes • 614.5K views
Hey Bobcats, come grab a late night snack at Cafe on the Square! We are open until 10:00 PM, where the real pregame starts 😎🍔🍳🍺🥂
cafeonthesquare
101 likes • 0 views

⏳ Quick Stop

The Cage itself is small; it's more about the historical context within the larger square. Reddit

Come and try our pie of the week, and get a free drink! This week: Cheesecake 🍰 #thesquare #txst #sanmarcos #txstate #cafe #cafeonthesquare #smtx #sanmarcostx #texasstate #thesquaresmtx
cafeonthesquare
72 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the History

Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and imagine its past. Great for a quick photo op! Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Square

Combine your visit to The Cage with a stroll around Sam Sharpe Square to soak in the local vibe. Reddit

⏳ Quick Stop

The Cage itself is small; it's more about the historical context within the larger square. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(4 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find The Cage to be a historically interesting landmark in Montego Bay, offering a glimpse into the past. Its location in Sam Sharpe Square makes it an easy and quick stop for those interested in local history.

"The Cage is located in Sam Sharpe Square in the heart of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Initially made of wood, The Cage was built in 1806 and was used as an overnight lockup for drunks, vagrants, runaway slaves, or slaves who had not left town after the 3 pm warning bell

A belfry was added in 1811 and then in 1823 the wooden structure was replaced with the current brick structure.

This is a unique little structure with an interesting history that is definitely worth a stop of you're in Montego Bay."

Jeremy Cartwright

"The infamous Cage was once a temporary prison used as a night shelter for drunken sailors, runaway slaves and vagrants. Located in the northwest corner of Sam Sharpe Square, the small 1822 brick building was originally constructed of wood in 1806.

The Cage housed various shops as temporary use, but this place has now become a historical landmark again and fits into the historical ensemble of Sam Sharpe Square."

Touchin' Jamaica

""

Jura Big

What People Like

Historical significance
Central location
Quick visit

What People Dislike

Small structure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cage is located in Sam Sharpe Square, right in the heart of Montego Bay. It's easily accessible by taxi or local transport. Many visitors find it convenient to explore on foot once in the city center. Reddit

Sam Sharpe Square is a central public space. Like any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. During the day, it's generally safe for tourists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Cage is a historical structure within a public square, so there is no admission fee to view it from the outside. Reddit

As an external historical landmark, The Cage doesn't have specific opening hours. It can be viewed at any time as part of Sam Sharpe Square. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Currently, The Cage serves as a historical landmark and is part of the historical ensemble of Sam Sharpe Square. It's no longer used as a prison. Reddit

Visiting The Cage itself is a brief experience, likely taking only 10-15 minutes to appreciate its history and architecture. It's often combined with exploring Sam Sharpe Square. Reddit

Built in 1806 and replaced with brick in 1822, The Cage was a temporary lockup for drunks, vagrants, and runaway slaves. It's a significant piece of Montego Bay's past. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the past, The Cage offers a direct link to Montego Bay's colonial era. Its function as a temporary lockup provides a unique insight into historical social order and control. Take time to read any available plaques and imagine the stories this small brick building could tell. It's a quick but meaningful stop to add to your historical exploration of the city. Reddit

Day-Trippers

If you're on a day trip to Montego Bay, The Cage is an ideal quick stop. Located centrally in Sam Sharpe Square, it requires minimal time to appreciate its historical significance. Pair it with a walk around the square and perhaps a local snack for a well-rounded short excursion into the city's heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of The Cage

The Cage in Sam Sharpe Square is a small but historically significant structure in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Originally constructed from wood in 1806, it was designed as a temporary holding facility. Its primary purpose was to serve as an overnight lockup for individuals who were causing disturbances, such as drunken sailors, vagrants, or runaway slaves who had not left the town by the designated warning bell time. This function highlights a specific aspect of social control and order during the colonial era.

In 1811, a belfry was added to the structure, and by 1823, the original wooden building was replaced with the more durable brick structure that stands today. This brick edifice has housed various shops over time, but its enduring identity remains tied to its past as a place of temporary confinement. Today, The Cage has been restored to its historical context, fitting seamlessly into the ensemble of Sam Sharpe Square and serving as a tangible reminder of the area's complex history. It offers visitors a unique point of reflection on the social dynamics of past centuries.

Visiting The Cage provides a brief yet impactful connection to Montego Bay's heritage. It's a site that encourages contemplation about the lives of those who passed through its doors. While not a grand monument, its historical narrative makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the deeper stories of Jamaica. The surrounding Sam Sharpe Square itself is named after a national hero, adding another layer of historical importance to the area.