The plantation was typically divided into several distinct areas, each of which was associated with a different social group:
- The "great house" was the residence of the plantation owner and his family. It was located on a hilltop and was usually the most imposing building on the plantation. The great house was often surrounded by a garden, which was used for growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
- The slave quarters were located at the other end of the plantation, typically in close proximity to the fields where the slaves worked. The slave quarters were usually small, cramped, and unsanitary. They were often little more than shacks, and they provided little protection from the elements.
- The sugar mill was located near the center of the plantation. This is where the sugar cane was processed and turned into sugar. The sugar mill was a dangerous place to work, and accidents were common.
- The fields were where the slaves worked. They were typically large and open, and they were often located in remote areas of the plantation. The slaves worked long hours in the fields, and they were often beaten if they did not work hard enough.
The layout of a sugar plantation reflected the harsh realities of slavery. The great house and the slave quarters were located at opposite ends of the plantation, symbolizing the vast social gulf between the plantation owner and his slaves. The sugar mill was located near the center of the plantation, representing its importance to the plantation economy. And the fields were located in remote areas, away from the sight of the plantation owner and his family.
This layout of the sugar plantation had a profound impact on the social standings of its inhabitants. The plantation owner and his family lived in luxury and comfort, while the slaves lived in poverty and squalor. The plantation owner had absolute power over his slaves, and he could do with them as he pleased. The slaves were denied basic human rights, and they were often treated like animals.
The layout of a sugar plantation in Jamaica during the 18th century is a reminder of the horrors of slavery. It is a testament to the greed and cruelty of the plantation owners and the resilience and strength of the slaves who endured such harsh conditions.