Although Kingston was named
immediately after the 1692
earthquake destroyed Port
Royal, plans for it were only
drawn up in 1702. After Port
Royal was again destroyed,
in 1703, this time by fire,
Kingston really began the
first century of its history.
Although official records
show John Goffe as the
first planner of the town,
the earliest map is
ascribed to Christian Lilly.
As its name indicates
Harbour Street was
originally the street
nearest the waterfront,
but from as early as 1693,
the Lieutenant Governor,
Beeston, had created lots
on the dumped-up land
between Harbour Street
and the harbour, creating
Port Royal Street, for the
benefit of merchants
fleeing from Port Royal.
The population at this
time was about 5000.
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