State House Cotton Tree Freetown

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The Country

(Source: National Tourist Board, Sierra Leone)

Lion MountainsSierra Leone’s name dates back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There seems to be some dispute whether it was the shape or climatic conditions that influenced Pedro da Centra to come up with “Sierra Lyoa” meaning Lion Mountains.

Some say the coastal mountains looked like “lion’s teeth”. Others suggest he thought the thunderstorms over the mountainous peninsula sounded like the roar of a lion. Sixteenth century English sailors called it “Sierra Leoa” which evolved in the 17th century to Sierra Leone. The British officially adopted the name Sierra Leone in 1787.

Freetown

The local name for Freetown before the white man came was ‘Romarong’ meaning the place of the wailers. This name came from sounds of the constant weeping and screaming of victims of storm and cross current disasters at the mouth of the Sierra Leone River.

Early History

More than six centuries ago, tribes from the African interior decided to settle in the virgin forest, where they would be protected by the mountains on one side and the sea on the other. They were probably the ancestors of the Limbas, the oldest ethnic group in Sierra Leone, the coastal Bulom (Sherbro), Tine, the Mande-speaking people including Vai, Loko and Mende.

Portuguese sailors were among the first Europeans to discover the site of what is now Freetown. As foreign influence increased, trade commenced between the locals and Europeans in the form of a barter system. The British began to take interest in Sierra Leone and in 1672 the Royal African Company established Forts on the Islands of Bunce and York for trading. With the emergence of the slave trade, human being became the major commodity in the market. Indigenes were sold as slaves. In fact, Bunce Island became a prime spot for the transporting of slaves to Europe and America.

Through the efforts of some British philanthropists, slavery was abolished in England. A naval base was established in Freetown to intercept slave ships and also to serve as settlement for freed slaves in 1787. This settlement was called the ‘Province of Freedom.’ By 1792, 1200 slaves were thereby sent to Freetown from Nova Scotia and a large number from Maroon in the 1800s to join the original settlers from England. Few years later in 1808, the colony officially became a British Crown Colony. Trade commenced between the indigenes and the settlers. This paved the gateway for the British to infiltrate the protectorate- the need to extend their rule became necessary. In 1896, a protectorate was declared. The country then became a single entity with a shared history, culture and language called krio which evoked out of the fatua and mixed languages of various other settlers and traders. English became the official language.

During British colonialism, Sierra Leone served as the seat of Government for other British colonies along the West Coast of Africa. The first college for higher education south of the Sahara was established in 1827. The country is well known for its early achievements in the fields of medicine, law and education earning the name ‘the Athens of West Africa’.

Modern History

In 1787, British philanthropists founded the “Province of Freedom” which later became Freetown, a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia joined the original settlers, the Maroons, another group of slaves, rebelled in Jamaica and traveled to Freetown in 1800.

Through the efforts of such men as William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp, Lord Mansfield formed an administration in 1806, which was instrumental in the British Empire’s abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade (1807). The British established a naval base in Freetown to patrol against illegal slave ships. A fine of GBP £100 was established for every slave found on a British ship.

In 1808 Sierra Leone officially became a crown Colony with the land possessions of the Sierra Leone Company (formerly known as St. George’s Bay Company) transferred to the crown. The colony was dedicated to demonstrating the principles of Christianity, civilization and commerce.

In 1833 British Parliament passed the Emancipation Act, and 1883 slavery was finally abolished. It wasn’t until 1865; the United States passed the 13th amendment abolishing slavery.

Krio PaBy 1855, over 50,000 freed slaves had been settled in Freetown. Known as Krios, the repatriated settlers of Freetown today live in a multi-ethnic country. Though English is the official language, Krio is widely spoken throughout the country allowing different tribal groups a common language.

During British colonialism, Sierra Leone served as the seat of Government for other British colonies along the West Coast of Africa. The first college for higher education south of the Sahara was established in 1827. The country is well known for its early achievements in the fields of medicine, law and education earning the name ‘the Athens of West Africa’.

 

Post-Modern History

Sierra Leone gained independence on the 27th of April 1961 and a Republican status on the l9th April 1971. Since independence there have been many changes in the socio- political, and economic spheres.

Weapon BurningToday, under a multiparty democracy, several changes have occurred in every facet of life. Current President Tejan KabbahThe country’s economy is gradually picking up. The tourism sector has enormous potentials and is steadily becoming a major player in the economy. Sierra Leone is an ideal eco - friendly holiday destination. More tourist establishments are now on the increase. Political stability and tolerance have fostered a peaceful co-existence. The country is making a steady progress in its socio-economic and political strides

 

 

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