Medieval Sierra Leone

Medieval Sierra Leone

Portuguese explorers dominated Sierra Leone & held control over the coast beginning in 1462. Late in the 16th century the British arrived & the European slave trade began in this region. In 1787 Freetown was established by the British Sierra Leone Co. in Freetown, which is the capital city of present day Sierra Leone. It was established as a refuge for freed slaves primarily from North America, Great Britain & the Carribean. The ex-slave population established a unique Creole culture. [BM] {UA}