Cotton Tree, Historical tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Cotton Tree was a massive kapok tree in central Freetown, its wide-reaching branches throwing shade over the busy square until it died in 2023. The tree rose more than 20 meters tall and dominated the cityscape at a junction where several roads meet.
Freed Black Loyalists from Nova Scotia settled under this tree in 1792, establishing the modern city of Freetown. The site became a landmark of freedom for those who had escaped enslavement.
The Cotton Tree served as a central gathering point for local communities, where elders made important decisions and passed traditional knowledge to younger generations.
The square where the tree once stood lies at a major transport crossroads with minibuses and taxis heading to different neighborhoods. Visitors will find it a central reference point for exploring downtown.
After a storm in May 2023, the tree collapsed and its sudden loss sparked mourning across the city. The government announced plans to plant a successor tree to carry on the legacy.
Location: Freetown
GPS coordinates: 8.48722,-13.23556
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29
These trees stand as natural monuments across the globe. Some are recognized for their age, like Old Tjikko in Sweden and Methuselah in California. Others, such as General Sherman and Hyperion, set records for size and height. The collection includes cultural landmarks like the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi...
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