James Fort, Accra
James Fort is a poignant symbol of the region鈥檚 colonial past. Built in 1673 by the Royal African Company of England, it initially served as a trading post for gold and slaves. The fort was named after James, Duke of York, later King James II, and contributed to the area's development, including the naming of the adjacent town of Jamestown. In recognition of its historical significance, James Fort, along with other forts and castles in Ghana, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
During British colonization, James Fort transitioned into a key administrative hub and later became a prison, where Ghana鈥檚 first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was incarcerated in the early 1950s. The fort remained a functioning prison until its closure in 2008. Its proximity to the iconic Jamestown Lighthouse highlights its importance in the colonial maritime landscape.
Although it is not open to public visits, James Fort continues to draw interest for its historical value and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, as with many significant sites in Accra, photography is prohibited. The fort鈥檚 relatively good condition serves as a testament to ongoing efforts to preserve Ghana's rich yet complex heritage.
During British colonization, James Fort transitioned into a key administrative hub and later became a prison, where Ghana鈥檚 first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was incarcerated in the early 1950s. The fort remained a functioning prison until its closure in 2008. Its proximity to the iconic Jamestown Lighthouse highlights its importance in the colonial maritime landscape.
Although it is not open to public visits, James Fort continues to draw interest for its historical value and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, as with many significant sites in Accra, photography is prohibited. The fort鈥檚 relatively good condition serves as a testament to ongoing efforts to preserve Ghana's rich yet complex heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Accra. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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James Fort on Map
Sight Name: James Fort
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Accra, Ghana
Create Your Own Walk in Accra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Accra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Accra Introduction Walking Tour
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a charming mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city's origins trace back to the Ga people, who settled along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and were nicknamed Nkran, meaning "ants", for their industrious nature. The nickname also referred to the numerous anthills found in the area. During European colonization, the term... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles