The history of Port Rhoades and Quadrant Wharf began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus on his arrival May 6th 1494, he named the area Puerto Seco and since then this post has flourished. Columbus’s is reported to have said in glowing terms “this is the fairest isles that mine eyes have ever seen”, and since then visitors have flocked to this parish .Known for it’s post card perfect beaches or rugged rocky coves, green hills and valleys to the cool interior, this is the parish Columbus first set foot upon local soil.

While the Spanish first settled in Sevilla La Nueva (the first capital of Jamaica) the parish has never been limited to the number of famous names emanating from its soil, home to international reggae icon Bob Marley the parish was also home to Jamaica’s first national hero, philosopher and black activist the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey and in recent times some of the top musical festivals in the country.

This sleepy village for many years boasted a mini shipping and agricultural industry and even though it had a British Military barracks and a 34 bed luxury hotel (Columbus Inn) with a sweeping view of the harbour, everyone welcomed the presence of the growing population. In 1777 the Port Rhoades was quipped with cannons as defense against possible French invasion during the American war of Independence, the area was also re name Dry Harbour and in 1947 re name Discovery Bay with the increased local development taking place destiny would play a great role as 20 years later it would also figure as leading element in the growth of the native Bauxite industry.

In 1975 the parish hosted the first of what would become a leading event for the country. The then manager of St Ann Bauxite (Formerly Kaiser Bauxite) put together the Push Cart Derby competition for the youngsters who normally drove these carts around for a living and in so doing recognized and treated them with the dignity afforded other in the society.
Also known as the garden parish by locals there are many activities for any visitor to this parish, the following is of list:

• The Resort Town of Ocho Rios; for its shopping,

• The World Famous Dunn’s River Falls,

• Fern Gully, habitat to over 500 indigenous species of Ferns,

• Green Grotto Caves,

• Chukka Cove and Drax Hall, popular for both Horseback Riding and Polo,

• Columbus Park,

• Cranbrook Flower Forest,

• Dolphin Cove,

• Bob Marley’s birth place at Nile Miles