Africa · Ghana · Central Region
Elmina Castle
The story
History of Elmina Castle
The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, a Portuguese trading fort that became a central site of the transatlantic slave trade.
Ghana · Central Region · Portuguese colonial
- Built
- from 1482
- Era
- Medieval
- Style
- Portuguese colonial
- Country
- Ghana
- Region
- Central Region
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Coordinates
- 5.083, -1.348
In depth
The fuller history
Trade between Elmina and Portugal grew throughout the decade following the establishment of the trading post under Gomes. In 1481, the recently crowned John II decided to build a fort on the coast in order to ensure the protection of this trade, which was once again held as a royal monopoly. King John II sent all of the materials needed to build the fort on ten caravels and two transport ships. The supplies, which included everything from heavy foundation stones to roof tiles, were sent in pre-fitted form, along with provisions for six hundred men.
Key dates
- 1471The Portuguese in 1471 were the first Europeans to visit the Gold Coast, but not necessarily the first sailors to reach the port.
- 1482George, was erected by the Portuguese in 1482 as Castelo de São Jorge da Mina ('St.
- 1596In 1596, the Dutch made a first unsuccessful attempt at capturing the castle.
- 1637They succeeded decades later in 1637, after which this became the capital of the Dutch Gold Coast.
- 1872In 1872, the Dutch Gold Coast, including the fort, became a possession of the United Kingdom in its treaty with the Dutch that divided dominance and forts in colonial territories.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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