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Fort Bullen & Barra Point |
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Fort Bullen was built by the British
almost 200 years ago to cover the
approaches to Banjul and the Gambia River because the other fort in
Banjul could not cover the 5km stretch of water and allowed French and
Portuguese slave traders to escape further north of at the mouth of
the river. It is located on the
northern extremity of Barra Point.
The Fort was built by
Commodore Charles Bullen in 1827 who was sent by the British to
consolidate the work of suppressing the slave trade after the passing
of the abolition act of 1857. It succeeded
James Island fortress,
destroyed by the French. See also 
Banjul History
It is a regular rectangular shaped
fortification with circular bastions at the corners of the structure. There is a small beach here and a guard post, but little else
remains of one of the Gambia's earliest fortresses. It is one of
the Gambia's remaining historic sites which though does not have
much content apart from its walls does give you great views of the
river and allows birdwatchers to get commanding positions to view the
local estuarine bird life. There are 3 cannons standing just outside
the fort pointing across the Gambia River. It was abandoned in 1870
and was commandeered back into use during World War II. Fort Bullen is a great
stepping stone to reach Jinack Island which is a tropical oasis with
11 km of deserted beaches.
The fortifications at Barra can most easily be reached by ferry from Banjul
Ferry Terminal. Be sure to pick up an information leaflet from
the National Museum on Independence Drive in Banjul.
Barra Point
The town of Barra is
located on the north bank of the
Gambia River and its ferry links it to Banjul which is abut 5km to the
south. The town is the entry point for those seeking to go further
north to the Niumi National Park, Jokadu or Senegal. There is a market
in the town selling consumer goods as well as a peanut plant.
 
Travel Information
There is a regular ferry service
from Barra to Banjul and while you are on the
ferry make a lookout for dolphins which sometimes venture up-stream.
Tel: (220) 4223557
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Attractions / Excursions
Nature Reserves
Resorts
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