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.
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