Fort Bullen — Attraction in North Bank Division

If you are in Barra you have to go there! Fort Bullen, located in Barra, Gambia, stands as a historical testament to the British Empire’s efforts to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Constructed in 1826, the fort was strategically positioned at the mouth of the River Gambia to intercept and prevent slave ships from continuing their inhumane voyages.

The Gambia River, due to its depth, was a significant waterway for transporting enslaved individuals during the peak of the slave trade in the 18th century. It is estimated that a staggering 12.5 million people were forcibly moved across the Atlantic during this dark period, with a survival rate of only 85%1. The Gambia was a central point in this trade, with every sixth West African enslaved person believed to have come from this region1.

Fort Bullen was part of a broader attempt to control the river passage and stop slave ships. Despite these efforts, the fort could not cover the entire distance of the river estuary, and thus, its effectiveness was limited1. After the British officially ended the slave trade in 1870, the fort was abandoned and remained unused until World War II, when it served as a defense site against potential threats from Senegal1.

In 2003, Fort Bullen was recognized for its historical significance and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites1. Today, it houses a small museum that showcases the history of the slave trade in the region, along with ethnographic and historical exhibitions. Visitors can explore the walled square courtyard, the rounded defenses on each corner, and the remaining gun batteries, all surrounded by the iconic baobabs of the area1. The fort is a poignant reminder of the past and serves as an educational site for those looking to understand the impact of the slave trade in...

Fort Bullen has been an important outpost at various times and I think it's history is fascinating. I usually try and avoid using a Guide as I like to read up before hand and then enjoy a slow wander about. However, Halimma was a really good guide at the Fort and she added some fascinating facts about life in the region. I thought the Fort was in reasonable condition and you can visualize how it all worked in the past. Their is a nearby cafe (ex-commisioners house) in the grounds of the fort and a toilet block about 400 yards away from the cafe. You'll need a key to use the...

J'ai visité fort Bullen fêvrier. 2018 . Visite intéréssante et bon guide exclusivement en anglais, sauf pour les groupes . Ce fort fut construit au 19eme lorsque la Gambie appartenait encore aux anglais. C'est un fort défensif, pas une prison d'esclaves , des noirs y circulaient librement. On voit les anciens canons chargé de La Défense des assaillants divers, certains sont orientés par-dessus le fleuve Gambie qui se jette dans la mer et l'eau salée remonte jusquà 200 kms dans le fleuve. On peut entrer à l'intérieur du Fort qui contient un petit musée érigé par des Gambiens qui relate l' historique de la construction , des illustres Anglais qui y ont défilés, quelques objets relatent l'esclavage et et font l'historique de la royauté gambienne post anglaise. On remarque que c'est en 1848 que le roi Burungaï a battus les anglais .

On voit les canons utilisé, la belle situation au bord de la mer. Burungaï de l'ethnie Mandika, fit appel aux noirs , desçendant des familles d'esclaves de Gorée au Senégal pour résister et gagner ce combat et conclure le départ définitif des anglais. Autre anecdote : durant la seconde guerre Mondial 40/45, une tourelle de pierres et un porte-mitraillettes, permettant de s'orienter au mieux vers les passages des avions...