Slavery - This coast of Africa was a major area of the slave trade and the Gambia river provided a route into the interior of the country and a natural harbour.

The American author Alex Haley wrote the book ROOTS, which was his account of research he had done into his families origins. Since his death the literal truth that he had an ancestor Kunte Kinte is dubious, but the truth behind of the story remains poignantly real and horrific.

In 1807, Britain abolished the trade in slaves in all the areas of the world that it governed BUT it was to take more years to stop the trade totally.

Fort Bullen was built in 1826 to support Bathurst now Banjul in stopping boats from other nations using The Gambia river for slave trading.

The structure was never much more than a solid base to place cannons and was used for similar purposes during the 2^nd World War.

It is a good place to start or finish a trip along the north bank to visit the village where Alex Haley's ancestors once lived and Albreda the slave trading post up the river.

The ferry crossing is only a few dalasi and Fort Bullen provides a good focus to the trip.