Fort de Dabou, French colonial fort in Dabou, Ivory Coast
Fort de Dabou is a former military fortification near Lagune Ebrié built with thick stone walls standing about 6 meters (20 feet) high. The structure was designed compactly and positioned on elevated ground to protect against seasonal lagoon flooding.
Commander Louis Faidherbe ordered construction of this military post in 1853 as a trading outpost. The fortification was completed in just ten days and subsequently served to control maritime commerce in the region.
The fort held significance in regional trade networks and attracted people from surrounding areas who worked there as soldiers and staff. Its walls still bear marks of this multicultural history, reflecting encounters between local communities and European presence.
Access to the fort is possible but the entrance area is often overgrown and requires careful attention while exploring. Wearing sturdy footwear and allowing time to navigate the surroundings carefully is advisable.
Two original cannons remain on display today while a third one vanished during the 2011 unrest. This missing piece tells a story of political upheaval that affected even historical monuments.
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