| Gambia
has a very interesting history. People who enjoy traveling can choose
anywhere in the world they want to go, but I just hope. The Gambia is
on their top ten list. Here are just one brief facts to start you up on
the history of The Gambia.I hope you find it very enjoyable.
Before the arrival of
the Portuguese in the mid fifthteenth century, there was no written
history of West Africa. The historians were known as the Griots, who
told the story their way. They relied mostly on memory to recite
history of families clans or tribes.
The Gambia belonged to
kingdoms of Toni, Komo, Sine-Saloum and Fuladou.Some people had
migrated to that area from various parts of West Africa.Some of these
kingdoms were very important,the most important were Ghana, Sohngahi,
and the Mali empires between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Niger),
KanenBornu and the Hasua States were also important. The Gambia empire
was the earliest of these empires. It was the most important empire
between three-hundred and one-thousand a.d.
This is where it all
started.Trade with the Europeans by one thousand five hundered a.d.
people in the area were also trading with west african merchants. The
first European to reach the River Gambia was Al Viso de Cadamosto, from
Venice, Italy.
Earlier there was said
to be an island.This island's name is James Island,which held slave
trading. Then there was found the Wasu Stone Circles,one of the
national land marks and most notable attractions.These circles were
said maybe to hold religious ceremonies, such as weddings, and
births(possibly only royal families), and also said to have maybe been
the bases for ancient calendars.
around 500 B.C. Hanno of
Carthage reports the position of The Gambia for the first time.
around 700 A.D. raising of the(for the time being) oldest signs of
civilisation: the stone circles of Wassu.
around 800 - 1000 settlement of Wolof in the Senegambia area.
around 1100 settlement of Jola in the Senegambia area.
around 1250 - 1350 settlement of Mandinka in the Senegambia area.
1456 arrival of the Portuguese in The Gambia under Henry the Navigator.
1501 the first Gambian leaves the country as a slave.
1562 first important slave transport (to England) under captain John
Hawkins.
1651 foundation of Fort James.
1659 - 1779 British-French skirmishes around Albadarr, Juffureh and
James Island.
1763 Senegambia becomes British (treaty of Paris) 1764 colonel O'Hara
takes up his residence as representative of the British governor on
James Island.
1783 separation of Senegal and The Gambia, The Gambia remains British
(treaty of Versailles) 1807 passing of law abolition of slavery by
British parliament.
1816 Alexander Grant founds Bathurst (Banjul).
around 1850 - 1900 Soninke-Marabout wars. 1884 the official borders of
The Gambia are determined (Berlin conference).
4 October 1963 governor Sir Edward Windley starts preparations
independence.
18 February 1965 The Gambia becomes independent within British Common
wealth 1966 first Gambian by birth British governor: Alhaji Farimang
Mamadi Singhabe.
1967 The Gambia and Senegal sign declaration of intent to come to one
state.
24 April 1970 The Gambia independent state, Dawda Kairaba Jawara
becomes president.
4 October 1988 Coming into operation of Senegambia Highway.
30 September 1989 The Gambia and Senegal dissolve their treaty of
cooperation.
22 July 1994 Jawara deposed and banished by military forces, lieutenant
A.J.J.Jameh becomes head of state.
Jun - Dec 1996 registration of enfranchised citizens, referendum for
new constitution, general elections for districts and parliament. Yahya
A.J.J.Jammeh is elected president of The Gambia.
2001 Yahya A.J.J.Jammeh re-elected as president of The Gambia |
