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Cotton Tree of Freetown

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Historical site
—°10
Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)

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The Cotton Tree of Freetown is a giant kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) located in the heart of the capital, serving as a national symbol of Sierra Leone. According to legend, under this tree in 1787, the first freed slaves from the United States and Britain gathered to establish their new settlement. The tree is intimately linked to the founding history of the nation and represents freedom and new beginnings. It has survived civil war and natural disasters. Although severely damaged by a storm in 2023, it remains an important cultural landmark. The Cotton Tree is often depicted on stamps, coins, and Sierra Leone's coat of arms. It is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and serves as a living monument to the country's history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262728282826252526262726
Rain mm12325136399644699400187714

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cotton Tree of Freetown is a historic landmark in the city center, freely accessible at any time. The tree stands on a public square and can be viewed from outside.
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Typical hours
As it is a public monument, there are no opening hours. The best time to visit is during the day when the area is lively.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. The tree is a popular subject for souvenir photos and city shots.
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Time needed
A short visit to the tree takes about 5-10 minutes. If you also look around the area, allow 20-30 minutes.
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Combine with
The tree is located near the Sierra Leone National Museum and the main market. These attractions can be easily reached on foot.
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Getting there
The Cotton Tree is in the heart of Freetown, at the intersection of several main roads. It is easily accessible on foot, by taxi, or by bus.
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Insider tip
Visit the tree early in the morning to avoid crowds. Talk to locals about the symbolic meaning of the tree for the city.

Geography

Coordinates
8.48440, -13.23530

Facts

  • The tree is estimated to be over 200 years old.
  • It is approximately 30 meters tall.
  • The trunk circumference is about 10 meters.
  • The Cotton Tree was heavily damaged by a storm in 2023.
  • It has appeared on Sierra Leone's coat of arms since 1961.
  • The tree stands in central Freetown at the intersection of major roads.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Museum of Sierra LeoneNational Museum of Sierra Leone<1 km · NWExplore →
Mount AureolMount Aureol2 km · NExplore →
Queen Elizabeth II QuayQueen Elizabeth II Quay3 km · NExplore →
Heddle's FarmHeddle's Farm3 km · NWExplore →
LEOCEM Cement FactoryLEOCEM Cement Factory3 km · NExplore →
Leicester PeakLeicester Peak5 km · NWExplore →
Lumley Beach PlaygroundLumley Beach Playground6 km · SWExplore →
Ruins of Regent ChurchRuins of Regent Church6 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cotton Tree of Freetown (10)

St. John's Maroon Church

Church building in Freetown, built by the Maroons, a community of freed slaves, in the early 19th century.

National Museum🏛 museum

National museum of Sierra Leone in Freetown, housing historical and cultural artifacts of the country.

The Cotton Tree

Historically important kapok tree and landmark in Freetown, symbol of the city's founding.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Freetown, seat of the archdiocese, built in neo-Gothic style.

St. George's Cathedral

Anglican cathedral in Freetown, consecrated in 1828, a notable colonial-era building.

Sea Side View POW

Viewpoint along the Freetown coast, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and shoreline.

Gun emplacement

Ruins of a gun emplacement in Freetown, remnants of colonial-era coastal defenses.

H H Fofannah Enterprise

Theatre building in Freetown, used for performances and cultural events.

75A Leicester Road

Viewpoint on Leicester Road in Freetown, providing a panorama of the city and hills.

Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre

Open-air amphitheatre in Freetown, named after the first African Anglican bishop.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cotton Tree in Freetown?
A historical monument and national symbol.
Can you visit the place anytime?
Yes, it is a public place in the center.
Why is it so important?
It commemorates the liberation of the first slaves.
Is there a cafe there?
Yes, in the immediate vicinity there are some shops.
Is the tree still original?
The historical tree unfortunately died, the place remains.
Cotton Tree of Freetown: where is it located?
Cotton Tree of Freetown is located in Sierra Leone.
Cotton Tree of Freetown: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. John's Maroon Church, National Museum, The Cotton Tree.
Cotton Tree of Freetown: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cotton Tree of Freetown: why is it worth visiting?
The Cotton Tree of Freetown is a giant kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) located in the heart of the capital, serving as a national symbol of Sierra Leone.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Goderich Beach — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
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A lively beach stretch known for its significant fish market and vibrant local atmosphere.
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Hastings
Hastings is a town in the Western Area, known for its domestic airport and commercial centers.
Tasso Island — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Tasso Island
A peaceful island in the Sierra Leone River estuary known for its eco-camp, birdwatching, and local culture.
Newton — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Newton
Newton is a growing town in the Western Area, known for its agriculture and transport links.
Kent — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Kent
Kent is a historic coastal town at the southern tip of the Freetown Peninsula.

History & landmarks

Freetown City Hall — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Freetown City Hall
Freetown City Hall is a modern multi-purpose building and the administrative headquarters of the capital city.
Wallace Johnson Memorial — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Wallace Johnson Memorial
The memorial honors I.T.A.
National Museum of Sierra Leone — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
National Museum of Sierra Leone
The National Museum in central Freetown preserves the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Law Courts Building — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Law Courts Building
The Law Courts Building is a historic structure in Freetown that houses the country's judiciary.
Sengbe Pieh Memorial — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Sengbe Pieh Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to Sengbe Pieh, who led the revolt on the slave ship Amistad.
Sacred Heart Cathedral — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Sacred Heart Cathedral is the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown.
Sam Bangura Tower — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Sam Bangura Tower
The Sam Bangura Tower houses the Bank of Sierra Leone and is one of the tallest buildings in Freetown.
King Jimmy Bridge — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
King Jimmy Bridge
King Jimmy Bridge is a historic crossing located near the famous King Jimmy Market.

More places

Maroons Church — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Maroons Church
The Maroons Church (St.
Bastions of Fort Thornton — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Bastions of Fort Thornton
The bastions of Fort Thornton are part of the grounds of the current State House in Freetown.
Victoria Park Playground — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Victoria Park Playground
In the heart of Freetown, this park provides space for play and relaxation amidst the bustling city center.
Martello Tower — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Martello Tower
The Martello Tower on Tower Hill was built to defend Freetown from attacks.
Mount Aureol — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Mount Aureol
Mount Aureol is a prominent hill in Freetown, home to the famous Fourah Bay College.
Old Fourah Bay College — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Old Fourah Bay College
The original Fourah Bay College building in Cline Town is a symbol of higher education in West Africa.
King&#39;s Gate — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
King's Gate
King's Gate marked the entrance to the Old Naval Hospital grounds and is a symbol of the arrival of liberated Africans.
Queen Elizabeth II Quay — Cotton Tree of Freetown (Sierra Leone)
Queen Elizabeth II Quay
The primary seaport of Sierra Leone in Freetown, handling the majority of the country's international trade.