Fort Metal Cross
Western
Fort Metal Cross, originally named Fort Dixcove, is a historic military fortification located in the fishing community of Infuma in Dixcove, Western Region of Ghana. It played a crucial role in the Atlantic slave trade and European-African commerce during the colonial era. The fort was constructed in the late 17th century and has witnessed various colonial powers, including Brandenburg-Prussia, the Dutch, and the British, each leaving their mark on its structure and history. Notably, it was besieged twice in 1712 but successfully defended. The fort was part of a significant exchange of forts between the Dutch and British in the 19th century and served multiple functions including a slave prison, timber supply station, and ship repair site. Today, Fort Metal Cross is preserved as a tourist attraction and cultural site, representing the complex history of the Gold Coast and the transatlantic trade. It is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for forts and castles in Ghana, symbolizing its global historical importance.
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Tip: Visitors should consider exploring Fort Metal Cross during the dry season for better weather and accessibility. It is advisable to check local opening hours and consider guided tours to enrich the historical experience. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but advance arrangements through local tour operators may enhance the visit. Modest discounts or group rates might be available. The site is also used for community and church gatherings, so planning visits around these events can offer unique cultural insights.
Zajímavosti
- •Fort Metal Cross was originally known as Fort Dixcove and renamed Fort Metalen Kruis by the Dutch.
- •It was besieged twice in 1712 by a local ally of the Prussians but successfully defended.
- •The fort was part of a large exchange of forts between Britain and the Netherlands in the 19th century.
- •Author Bosman referred to the fort as ‘the fake mint of the Gold Coast’ due to impure gold mined nearby.
- •The fort has served as a slave prison during the transatlantic slave trade.
- •It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing for forts and castles of Ghana.
Historie
Construction of Fort Metal Cross began in the late 17th century under European colonial powers, initially by Brandenburg-Prussia.
The fort endured two sieges in 1712 but remained under colonial control.
In 1868, it was transferred to the Dutch following the Anglo-Dutch Gold Coast Treaty and renamed Fort Metalen Kruis.
Four years later, in 1872, the fort was ceded to the British as part of the Gold Coast treaty of 1871.
Throughout its history, the fort served various roles including as a slave prison and a naval repair station.
Over time, it transitioned from a military installation to a police and postal station before becoming a heritage tourism site.
Průvodce po místě
Main Fort StructureLate 17th century
The main fort structure consists of thick stone walls and bastions overlooking the sea, built to defend against attacks and control trade routes. It provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the fishing village below.
Cannon Emplacements17th-18th century
Strategically placed cannon locations around the fort were used to defend against naval attacks and protect the trading post. Visitors can see preserved cannonballs and artillery placements.
Slave Prison Cells18th-19th century
These cells were used to imprison enslaved Africans before their forced shipment across the Atlantic. The cramped and dark conditions reflect the brutal realities of the slave trade era.