Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
reaches of this major river made it one of the most important fortifications in West Africa. It
was also perfectly placed both to receive inland trade, and to act as a forwarding station for
Caribbean-bound ships. Originally its main trade was in gold, but this had switched to slaves
by the time this map was made.
In the top left corner stood the quarters and yards where slaves were kept while awaiting
transport overseas. These contrasted with the 'slave holes' or dungeon holding areas found in
other forts. At lower right, the landing place for ships has a boat house, cooperage and stores
for pitch tar nearby. This low island in a broad river was the last that many slaves saw of their
homeland. Other slaves - lists of whom appear among the fort records - were forced to work
on the island itself, and lived in the circular huts around the unwalled lower edge and in the
lee of the fort.
Watson's detailed plan shows the central fort with defensive corner bastions, a tall
watchtower from which to spy approaching ships, and rooms inside for the governor, council
and officers. Along the island's defensive outer walls lay barracks, stores and services: a
smithy, saw pit, lime kiln, granary and kitchens. Watson notes several fallen roofs, and that
'through ... want of proper Repairs, it is all most gone to Ruins'. His report resulted in a
House of Commons grant to carry out the required work, but within 25 years the fort was des-
troyed by the French, and within 50 years the slave trade was abolished in the British Empire.
This plan remains to show the layout of a long-gone fortress, replicated in many similar forts
along this coast, and to give an insight into the role played by the slave trade in European
colonial expansion.
