Cities and regions／Gambia
Place of interest ·

Fort Bullen

Fort Bullen, in Barra, is a fortification built in 1826 at the mouth of the River Gambia. Its role was linked to intercepting the slave trade after Britain abolished the trade in 1807.

Fort Bullen
Photo by tjabeljan Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 2.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Its position at the river mouth illustrates military control of access to the river.
  • Built after Britain’s 1807 abolition of the slave trade, it adds another chapter to the history of the trade.
Fort Bullen
Photo by VloErop Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC0
Fort Bullen
Photo by VloErop Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC0
Travel atlas

Articles in Fort Bullen

Guides to this place

2 articles

Fort Bullen

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

2 related guides

Historic riverside setting in Albreda and Juffureh, The Gambia.

Kunta Kinteh Island, Albreda and Juffureh beside the Gambia River

A visit to Kunta Kinteh Island becomes more meaningful when experienced as a whole: island, riverside villages and forts that tell the story of trade, slavery, abolition and the diaspora.

Read guide →
Ruins of the fort on Kunta Kinteh Island beside the Gambia River.

Kunta Kinteh Island, Albreda and Juffureh along the Gambia River

A visit to Kunta Kinteh Island, Albreda and Juffureh is best understood as a journey through connected histories, not a quick excursion to some ruins.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 12/10/2026