Dive deeper into the history of Sierra Leone

Learn more about the rich history of Sierra Leone when in Freetown. Visit the various museums, sure to spark your interest in this diverse, yet captivating country.

The West African country of Sierra Leone has a captivating and dramatic history, much of which is documented in the city of Freetown's museums and memorials. Take a tour of these top sights and attractions to discover the magic of Sierra Leone for yourself.

Sierra Leone's name can be traced back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer named Pedro de Sintra called the area Serra Lyoa, or Lion Mountains. The name Sierra Leone was officially adopted by the British in 1787, the same year British philanthropists founded Freetown, the nation's modern capital. The Freetown settlement, a base for freed slaves, became a crown colony in 1808. Slavery was officially abolished in Sierra Leone in 1833, when the British Parliament passed the Emancipation Act, and the country finally became independent in April 1961.

The Sierra Leone National Museum is situated in the heart of Freetown. The museum, which opened in 1957, relies largely on limited financial resources and dedicated staff members. Many of Freetown's cultural activities are held at the museum, although the main attraction is a small but fascinating collection of the country's artwork and artifacts. The museum is a convenient 15-minute drive from our Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown.

Located at an entrance to Connaught Hospital, formerly known as Colonial Hospital, this site was where those who were freed from slavery would be taken for documentation and medical care, before heading off to settlements. It has been submitted for consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage committee, thanks to its symbolism as a gateway to freedom: "In the passage of people into freedom through the Gateway to the Old King's Yard, the world is reminded of the goodness that humanity is capable of achieving."

Sierra Leone's National Railway Museum first opened its doors to the public in 2005. The exhibits include locomotives, wagons and coaches from the Sierra Leone Railway that previously linked Freetown to Pendembu and Makeni. Established at the end of the 18th century, the railway offered the first passenger train service to these provinces. After the railway was shut down in 1975, its locomotives and carriages became the highlights of the museum's collection.

The Peace Museum opened in November 2013. The museum honors and remembers the victims of Sierra Leone's long-term conflict, which officially ended in early 2002. Designed to encourage discussion and reflections on the country's modern history, a walk through the museum today provides moving, educational insights into the ghastly weapons and tactics used in the war and their devastating effects. The museum also incorporates a memorial garden and extensive archives.

These cannons, largely buried below ground to help mark the boundaries of Old Freetown, likely came from a condemned slave ship. Only one cannon is still visible, mounted at the junction of Ross, Kissy and Blackhall roads. Both the cannon and this part of the city are called "Up Gun."

To learn more about Sierra Leone's history and culture, you can visit Sierra Leone Heritage, which has comprehensive listings of the sites, monuments and collections that keep the nation's story alive.