Janjanbureh. This city, on an island in the middle of the Gambia River, was called Georgetown during colonial times. Today it is a quiet place, accessible by ferry, with some historic buildings in very bad condition. Janjanbureh was an important confinement center for African slaves waiting to be distributed for exploitation by Europeans and North Americans. Many tourists are upset that much of what is taught at Janjanbureh is, let’s say, a re-enactment of the horror that must have existed in peak times. Namely, brand new shackles and newly purchased chains are displayed as authentic parts. Be that as it may, there is no doubt that slavery existed here, although today only the representation of horror is preserved.
Geographic location
Janjanbureh Island, also known as Lemain Island and until 1995 as MacCarthy Island, is an island located in the eastern sector of the Republic of The Gambia, in the Central River Division. The city of Janjanbureh located on this island is the second largest in the country, although it still appears on many maps under its European name, Georgetown. Besides being a destination for some wildlife tourists, this island is also the site of the largest prison in The Gambia.
History
The island was first visited by Western merchants in the 15th century, although in the 19th century, it ceased to be a viable place of trade due to frequent wars between the Wulli and the Niani tribes. The island was later bought by the British to install a military garrison to help protect the merchants. A treaty of cession was signed in 1823 and the island was formally called MacCarthy Island (as was Sir Charles MacCarthy, the former Governor General of the British West African Territories.) In 1832, Georgetown was founded as a Creole settlement, although this it was quickly populated by Africans freed from their slave status. The city gradually became an administrative and economic center of the country.