British established Bathurst Military Post

In 1816, the British established Bathurst, now known as Banjul, on St. Mary's Island as a strategic trading post and military base. This initiative was part of the broader British efforts to suppress the transatlantic slave trade and to secure a foothold in West Africa. Bathurst was strategically located at the mouth of the Gambia River, which made it an ideal location for trade and military operations. The establishment of Bathurst marked a significant moment in the history of The Gambia, as it later became the capital of the Gambia Colony and Protectorate. The British aimed to create a safe haven for freed slaves, with many being relocated to MacCarthy Island, where they were expected to build new lives. Bathurst's founding not only facilitated trade but also played a crucial role in the British colonial administration in the region, influencing the socio-economic landscape of The Gambia for years to come. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Bathurst #Banjul #Gambia #BritishColonialHistory #TransatlanticSlaveTrade