Banjul history

The history of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is closely tied to the colonial era and its strategic position at the mouth of the river bearing the same name. The city, which grew from a military post into a bustling administrative centre, reflects the significant developmental stages of the entire region.

The city was founded by the British in 1816 under the leadership of Captain Alexander Grant. It was initially established as a military and trading post on St. Mary's Island (today Banjul Island) to control the mouth of the Gambia River and suppress the slave trade. The settlement was named Bathurst in honour of Henry Bathurst, who was the British Secretary of State for the Colonies at the time. The city received its current, more authentic name — Banjul — only in 1973.

The development of Bathurst, and subsequently Banjul, was determined by several key factors. Firstly, its geographical location on an island at the mouth of a major navigable river, the Gambia, made the city an ideal place for controlling maritime and river trade routes. This provided natural defence and access to the African interior. Secondly, the city quickly turned into an important trading centre: groundnuts and palm oil became the main products for export to Europe, while the deep harbour allowed for the accommodation of large ocean-going vessels. Finally, from 1888, Bathurst became the administrative centre of the British colony of The Gambia, securing its status as the political capital, which it retains to this day.

In the early period of its existence, the city was a melting pot of cultures, where European colonial traditions mixed with the lifestyle of local African peoples. The architecture of the central part was built up with European-style houses adapted to the hot climate, featuring loggias and wide roofs, while the outskirts retained a more traditional African appearance with bamboo structures. The economy depended entirely on the port and the export of agricultural produce, which defined its role as the country's main economic hub for many years.

Key Dates in the History of Banjul

• 1816 — Foundation of the city by the British under the name Bathurst. It was established as a military post and trading centre to control the mouth of the Gambia River.
• 1888 — Bathurst officially becomes the administrative centre of the British colony and protectorate of The Gambia, cementing its status as the capital.
• 1942–1944 — During the Second World War, the city plays the role of a vital air and naval hub for Allied forces, contributing to the growth of its population and infrastructure.
• 18 February 1965 — The Gambia gains independence from Great Britain, and Bathurst becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 24 April 1970 — Following a referendum, The Gambia is proclaimed a republic, completing the transition period after gaining independence.
• 1973 — The city is officially renamed from Bathurst to Banjul, restoring its historical local name associated with fibres used for making ropes.
• 1986 — Denton Bridge is opened, connecting the island capital with the mainland and becoming a key element of the transport infrastructure.
• 1999 — The University of The Gambia is established, the first higher education institution in the country, marking a significant milestone in the development of the national education system.

Stages of Banjul's Development: From Outpost to Capital

The development of Banjul is the story of the transformation of an isolated island into the economic and political centre of The Gambia. Each stage has left a noticeable mark on its appearance, economy, and culture.

• Foundation as a Trade and Military Hub (1816). The city was established by the British under the name Bathurst with a dual purpose: suppressing the slave trade and controlling the export of groundnuts, which became the foundation of the colonial economy. This defined its initial layout and economic specialisation.
• Becoming a Colonial Capital (1888). Upon receiving the official status of the administrative centre of the British colony, the city began to be built up according to European models. Administrative buildings appeared, a clear street grid was laid out, and the port became the main hub for the entire country.
• Role in the Second World War. In the 1940s, Bathurst was used by Allied forces as a strategic aviation and naval base. This led to the modernisation of infrastructure, including the expansion of the port and airfield, and contributed to population growth.
• Capital of an Independent State (1965). With The Gambia gaining independence, the city became the centre of a new nation. Government institutions were located here, giving impetus to the development of education and the formation of a national intelligentsia.
• Renaming to Banjul (1973). Changing the colonial name Bathurst to the local Banjul was an important cultural step, symbolising the rejection of the colonial past and the affirmation of national identity.
• Construction of Denton Bridge (1986). This bridge became a crucial infrastructure project, connecting island Banjul with the mainland. It solved the problem of isolation, stimulated economic ties with the entire country, and contributed to the growth of the agglomeration beyond the island.
• Development of the Port as an Economic Core. The port of Banjul has always been the heart of the economy, but its modernisation and status as a key transport hub in West Africa have strengthened this role. Today, the main volume of the country's exports (groundnuts, fish) and imports passes through it.
• Establishment of the University of The Gambia (1999). The opening of the country's first university was a turning point in cultural and social development. This allowed for the training of national personnel and laid the foundation for the development of science and higher education in The Gambia.

The architectural appearance of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is a vivid reflection of its colonial past. The city, founded by the British in 1816, was initially built as a trading post and administrative centre. The basis of the urban plan was the colonial street grid, which still defines the structure of the city centre. This period bequeathed the English language and characteristic architectural features.

The dominant style in the historical buildings is the British colonial style. It is characterised by buildings with spacious verandas adapted to the hot climate, as well as residential houses in the Victorian spirit. Many old administrative buildings, such as the Court House, and residential homes in the historic centre serve as clear examples of this architecture, creating an atmosphere of bygone times. At the same time, traditional African structures can also be found in the city.

With the attainment of independence, new trends began to appear in the architecture of Banjul. One of the most recognisable symbols of the modern city is Arch 22 — a monumental structure 35 metres high, built in 1996 to commemorate a change in government. Today, the arch houses a small textile museum. These objects contrast with the colonial heritage, demonstrating the city's development in the post-colonial period.

Modern Banjul represents an eclectic mix of styles. Alongside colonial mansions and modern monuments, functional buildings play an important role in the city's appearance, such as the colourful and lively Albert Market. Religious structures also stand out in the cityscape, including the main mosque, whose minarets are among the tallest structures in the city. This blend forms the unique and multifaceted character of the Gambian capital.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Banjul

The capital of The Gambia has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many iconic figures whose contributions have influenced not only the country but also the entire African continent and the world. Here are some of them:

• Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara (1924–2019) — Politician, the first President of The Gambia. Born near the capital, he played a key role in the country gaining independence in 1965. He led The Gambia from 1970 to 1994, laying the foundations of its statehood and political system.
• Edward Francis Small (1891–1958) — Trade unionist, politician, and journalist. Born in Bathurst (the old name for Banjul), he is considered the "father" of modern Gambian politics. He founded the country's first trade union and actively fought for the rights of the African population during the colonial period, laying the groundwork for the independence movement.
• Lenri Peters (1932–2009) — Surgeon, poet, and writer. Born in Bathurst, he was educated in Great Britain but returned to his homeland. Peters is considered one of the most distinguished Anglophone writers of West Africa. His works explore themes of Pan-Africanism, identity, and the clash of traditions with modernity.
• Fatou Bensouda (born 1961) — Lawyer and stateswoman. Born in Banjul, she served as the Minister of Justice of The Gambia and later gained worldwide fame as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague (2012–2021). Her work has been a significant contribution to the development of international law.
• Jaliba Kuyateh (born 1957) — Musician, composer, and master of the kora (a traditional 21-string instrument). Although he was not born in Banjul itself, his creative career is inextricably linked with the capital. Kuyateh is one of The Gambia's most famous cultural ambassadors, who modernised the sound of the kora, making it popular worldwide.
• Augustus Prom (1908–1986) — Photographer. His works are invaluable historical evidence of life in Banjul (then Bathurst) in the mid-20th century. Prom documented daily life, architecture, and important events, preserving a visual chronicle of a bygone era for future generations.