Freetown: The Capital of Sierra Leone
Freetown is the largest city of Sierra Leone. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the western area of the country. The city was founded by freed American slaves and a British Naval Lieutenant John Clarkson in 1787. By 1961, Freetown had a population of 100,000 people which made Freetown the capital when Sierra Leone gained its independence. In 2015, the city had a approximately 1.1 million people living in the area. The city is a commercial center for trade in platinum, gold, diamonds, and oil.
Freetown is the largest city of Sierra Leone. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the western area of the country. The city was founded by freed American slaves and a British Naval Lieutenant John Clarkson in 1787. By 1961, Freetown had a population of 100,000 people which made Freetown the capital when Sierra Leone gained its independence. In 2015, the city had a approximately 1.1 million people living in the area. The city is a commercial center for trade in platinum, gold, diamonds, and oil.
In the middle of the city stands a huge cotton tree where settlers gather around to give thanks on their arrival. The tree represents Freetown’s most famous historical symbol and landmark. Under the tree has been held a Thanksgiving service, praying and singing hymns to thank God for their deliverance to a free land. The exact age of the tree in unknown but it has known to exist in 1787. Many buildings around the tree can be geolocated in relation of the tree. Also, many of the buildings still have British names even after they gained their independence.
During August is the time to avoid the city due to many floodings from the deluge rain fall. Mudslides are also very common during this time of year by caking the city full of dust from the Sahara. The best time to visit the city is through January and March, although you need to be aware that the temperatures can rise up to a 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
During August is the time to avoid the city due to many floodings from the deluge rain fall. Mudslides are also very common during this time of year by caking the city full of dust from the Sahara. The best time to visit the city is through January and March, although you need to be aware that the temperatures can rise up to a 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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| Cotton tree in the center of Freetown, Sierra Leone |
I think what stood out to me the most was how much this tree in the middle of the city really means to them. It means so much that they even have had thanksgiving services underneath the tree. Or the fact that many businesses can be geolocated in relation to the tree.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the tree looks like now and How much longer it will be around
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