Kunta Kinteh Island – Albadarr, The Gambia - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Kunta Kinteh Island

Albadarr, The Gambia

A tiny island home to a former English slave fort. 

View all photos
Jose Canedo/CC BY-SA 1.0 (Creative Commons)
Jose Canedo/CC BY-SA 1.0 (Creative Commons)
What is left of a cannon - rising sea level has claimed the others. Makayla Cole (Atlas Obscura User)
Ruins of Fort James Makayla Cole (Atlas Obscura User)
Ruins of Fort James Makayla Cole (Atlas Obscura User)
Map dated about 1755. Public Domain (Creative Commons)
36
48
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Kunta Kinteh Island with additional information or photos.

This island, formerly named James Island was an English slave fort on the mouth of the Gambia river. Today it’s a powerful reminder of the evils of  the slave trade, and particularly of Britain’s role.

Kunta Kinteh Island is located near Jufureh, the birthplace of Kunta Kinteh, an ancestor of Alex Haley and subject of the early part of his book Roots. 

The island, part of a UNESCO world heritage site, used to have numerous beads formally worn by young female captives. Apparently these beads had an important role in marriages and the captives, realising their fate, would throw them away in despair. Unfortunately over the years these have been stolen by tourists and very few remain.

Know Before You Go

A visit here is probably best if it follows a visit to the Gambia National Cultural museum in Banjul.

slavery forts islands
Community Contributors
Dr Alan P Newman
Added by
Dr Alan P Newman
Makayla Cole
massimiliano20097
Edited by
Makayla Cole, massimiliano20097
Published
November 1, 2016
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Never Again Statue
0.53 miles
Forgotten Cannons of Sine Saloum
51.99 miles
Fadiouth Shell Island
64.21 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Statue viewed from the side.
Albadarr, The Gambia

Never Again Statue

A unique, eye-catching statue that carries an important message of hope.
Mar Lodj, Senegal

Forgotten Cannons of Sine Saloum

This rusting artillery is a relic of Vichy France's influence in West Africa.
Mbour, Senegal

Fadiouth Shell Island

An island made out of shells, including a cemetery.
Joal Fadiout, Senegal

Joal-Fadiouth Fishing Port

West Africa's largest fishing port honors its artisanal fishing process.
Related Places
Kent, Sierra Leone

Firing Point

On an idyllic island off the coast of Sierra Leone, remnants of the defense of the slave trade and its later abolition.
Tierra Verde, Florida

Fort De Soto Park

Fascinating military history, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, and endless outdoor adventures draw people to this sprawling park.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Sandy Island Preserve

Not only is this nature preserve the largest protected freshwater island on the East Coast, but it’s also a stronghold of Gullah living.
Aldabra giant tortoise on Changuu
Tanzania

Changuu (Prison Island)

Over the course of its history, this tiny island has held enslaved people in transit and served as a quarantine zone. Today, it's a giant tortoise sanctuary.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web