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Sengbe Pieh Memorial

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The Sengbe Pieh Memorial in Freetown commemorates Joseph Cinqué, known locally in the Mende language as Sengbe Pieh, who led the famous revolt on the slave ship Amistad in 1839. Sengbe Pieh was captured in present-day Sierra Leone to be sold into slavery in Cuba, but he and his fellow captives managed to seize control of the vessel. The subsequent legal battle in the United States, which reached the Supreme Court, became a landmark victory for the abolitionist movement as the captives were ultimately declared free. The monument in his homeland symbolizes the unbreakable human spirit and resistance against oppression. As a central piece of Sierra Leone's cultural heritage, it attracts visitors interested in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The statue of Sengbe Pieh stands as a beacon of freedom and a reminder of the link between West Africa and the global history of human rights.
- Location: Sierra Leone
- Top sights: St. John's Maroon Church · National Museum · The Cotton Tree
- Nearby: Goderich Beach (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 2 | 3 | 25 | 136 | 399 | 644 | 699 | 400 | 187 | 71 | 4 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Sengbe Pieh was born around 1814 in Mende land, present-day Sierra Leone.
- He led the uprising on the Spanish schooner La Amistad in 1839.
- Former US President John Quincy Adams defended the captives in court.
- After winning their freedom, Sengbe Pieh returned to Sierra Leone in 1842.
- His image was featured on Sierra Leone's 5,000 Leone currency note.
- The memorial in Freetown is located near the Sierra Leone National Museum.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sengbe Pieh Memorial (10)
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Catholic cathedral in Freetown, seat of the archbishop, place of worship.
St. George's Cathedral
Anglican cathedral in Freetown, a 19th-century church building.
Gun emplacement
Ruins of a gun position in Freetown, remnants from the colonial era.
Sea Side View POW
Viewpoint overlooking the sea in Freetown, has a panoramic view.
H H Fofannah Enterprise
Theatre in Freetown, venue for cultural performances and events.
75A Leicester Road
Viewpoint on Leicester Road in Freetown, provides a city view.
Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre
Open-air theatre in Freetown, named after a bishop, used for performances.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is Sengbe Pieh?
Where is the memorial located?
Is access free?
Is it recommended for history enthusiasts?
Are there guided explanations?
Sengbe Pieh Memorial: where is it located?
Sengbe Pieh Memorial: what is there to see?
Sengbe Pieh Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
Sengbe Pieh Memorial: why is it worth visiting?





















