Accompong is a historical Maroon village located in the hills of St. Elizabeth Parish on the island of Jamaica. It is located in Cockpit Country, where Jamaican Maroons and Indigenous Taíno established a fortified stronghold in the hilly terrain in the 17th century. They defended it and maintained independence from the Spanish and then later the British, after the colony changed hands.

The history of Accompong dates back to the era of slavery in Jamaica. The Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who had escaped from plantations, established their communities in the rugged interior of the island. Accompong, named after the Maroon leader Accompong, became one of the primary settlements of the Windward Maroons.

Led by legendary figures such as Cudjoe, Nanny, and Quao, the Maroons engaged in fierce guerrilla warfare against the British forces, resisting slavery and fighting for their freedom. The Maroons’ deep knowledge of the island’s terrain and their tactical brilliance allowed them to successfully defend their communities against larger and better-equipped British armies.

Since independence in 1962, the government of Jamaica has continued to recognize the Indigenous rights of the Jamaican Maroons in this area.

Accompong is run by a chief who is elected by voting. The current chief is Chief Richard Currie.

The annual Accompong Maroon Festival, held on January 6th to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty, is a vibrant celebration that showcases the Maroons’ unique music, dance, and culinary traditions. Visitors are treated to lively drumming performances, traditional Maroon dances such as the “Kumina,” and mouth-watering dishes that reflect the fusion of African, Indigenous, and European culinary influences.

Accompong offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The village is nestled in the Cockpit Country, a geological wonder characterized by its karst limestone hills and lush vegetation. Visitors can embark on guided tours that take them through the rugged terrain, revealing hidden caves, medicinal plant trails, and breathtaking vistas.

A visit to Accompong is not just an opportunity to learn about Maroon history but also to witness the enduring spirit of freedom and cultural pride that defines the community. It is a chance to engage with the vibrant traditions of the Maroons, to gain insight into their struggles and triumphs, and to appreciate their contribution to Jamaica’s multicultural identity.