Fort Metal Cross, Colonial fort in Dixcove, Ghana
Fort Metal Cross is a 17th-century British fortification standing on a promontory near Dixcove that overlooks the coastline. The structure displays typical fortress features with thick stone walls and defensive positions designed to control that stretch of coast.
The British built this fortification in 1683 to protect their gold trading interests and counter German competition from Fort Gross Friedrichsburg nearby. The structure represents part of a network of European trading posts that reflected economic rivalries along the West African coast.
The fort's name reflects the economic hopes of British merchants who expected to find high-quality resources in the area. Today, the site tells the story of the varied motivations behind colonial expansion in the region.
The site is most easily reached at low tide when visitors can explore the rocky coastline on foot. Small boats can dock directly at the landing area, while larger vessels remain offshore and transfer passengers via smaller craft.
The site's name refers to expectations of finding pure gold that never materialized at this location, leading to ironic nicknames among traders. This story reveals how initial European hopes often fell short of reality in West African trade.
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