Forts and factories on the (West African) Gold Coast to 1872

	Lists European Settlements on the West African Gold Coast
Forts and factories on the Gold Coast mentioned in the historical literature until 1872
To the geographical definition of the term Gold Coast "...The Gold Coast begins ca. 3 miles west of Assinie and ends at the village "Ponny", 7 or 8 hours east of "Aara". (Accra) (Bosmann, 1690s) (However, mostly the Volta mouth is seen as east border.) Forts, sort from West to East  European forts on the Gold Coast  (only forts; from West to East)                                                       Portugal       Netherlands    Great Britain      Denmark         Sweden        Brandenburg       France              name(s) (Wikimedia Commons category linked) location period owner (until 1868) remarks Fort Saint-Louis Fort Joinville Issinie 1701 - 1702 from 1842 also: "Assinie" or "Old-Issiny" Fort Apollonia Beyin from 1768    fort construction 1768 by the British Fort Eliza Carthago Ankobra mouth 1640 - 1680 (hist. "Rio Cobri", "Rio Ancober"; German: "Schlangenfluss") Fort Ruijghaver not exactly confirmed 1654 - 1660 In the literature, two possible locations for the fort are given. Fort Duma Apansi 1623 - 1636   Fort São Antonió Axim from 1515     (historical location name 1555: "Dondo"; 1629: "Atchin") Fort Großfriedrichsburg Fort Hollandia Princesstown 1683 - 1717 from 1722   Native name of the location: "Pocquesöe" at the foot of the "Mount Manfro"; sold to the Dutch 1717; 1717-1722: fort occupated by Jan Conny Sophie-Louise-Schanze Takrama 1694 - 1717 Native name of the location: "Krema"; destroyed by the Dutch Dorotheenschanze Accada 1683 - 1722 destroyed by the Dutch Fort Dickieschofft Fort Metal Cross Dixcove 1684 - 1691 from 1691    Native name of the location: "Insiama" or "Infuma" Fort Batenstein Boutrie from 1640s      factory since 1598; fort construction in the 1640s or 1650s Fort Witsen Takoradi 1640 - 1665         factory since 1598; fort construction in the 1640s or 1650s; blasted by the Dutch on 6 January 1665 Fort Taccarary Fort Orange Takoradi from 1685    hist. "Tacquerari"; (hist. Fort Takoradi ≠ Fort Sekondi, although often mistook; according Bosmann (1690s) was ca. 1 hour footway between both forts); British seizure in exchange for Fort Vredenburg, 1785 Fort Sekondi Sekondi 1640 - 1779/84   Fort conquered and blusted by the French during the American Independence War Fort San Sebastian Shama from 1558    Fort construction 1558 by the Portuguese after conquest of the location from the English; no successful British re-seizure until 1872 Fort Kommendah Komenda from 1695 Native name of the location: "Ekki-Tekki" or "Agitaki"; Portuguese name: "Aldea das Terras" or "Aldea de Torres"; Fort construction by the British: 1695-1698 Fort Vredenburg Komenda from 1688    Fort construction 1688 by the Dutch; British conquest January 1782 and blusted; re-construction by the Dutch 1785 after exchange for Fort Sekondi Fort São Jorge da Minha Elmina from (1383/86)1472     Native name of the location: "Odena" or "Edina"; Portuguese name: "Aldea de duas Partes"; Sold by the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Fort Conraadsburg Fort St.Jago Elmina from 1637   on the "Morro de São Tiago"; also "Monte Santiago"; English: "St.Jago hill" in Elmina; Fort construction by the Dutch 1637/38; Sold by the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Fort Carolusburg Fort Karlsborg Cape Coast Castle Cape Coast from 1652       Native name of the (two) locations: "Ogua" ("Ugwà", "Amanforo") and "Degho"; Fort construction by the Swedes 1652-54; Native occupation: 1659 and 1663; Dutch seizure by Admiral de Ruyter, 1663; British conquest by Admiral Holmes, 1664 Fort Frederiksborg Fort Royal Mamfro from 1659   Fort construction 1659 by the Danes on the Mont "Cong" ("Mont Danois"); In 1684 because of gamings debts of the Danish commander occupated by the British and in 1688 by state contract definitely ceded by Denmark to Great Britain Fort Nassau Mouri from 1612        Fort construction 1612 by the Dutch as first Dutch fortified post in Africa at all; Dutch seizure 1785 in exchange for Fort Sekondi Fort Annamaboe Anomabu from 1652       Fort construction 1652/53 by the Swedes; Fort abandonned by the British sometime after 1664; Re-construction by the French 1744; British conquest with assistence by the natives, 1753 Fort Dom Pedro Anashan 1683 - 1690   Fort William Adja (Adra) from 1657        Fort construction 1657 by the Swedes; Area transfered to the Swedes by contract with the King of Great-Accra, 1661; British seizure 1674 after betrayal of the Dutch commandant Adra on the Gold Coast is not to confuse with Ardra in the former Dahomey. Fort Kormantin Fort Amsterdam Saltpond (Abandze) from 1638      Fort construction 1638 by the Dutch; Re-seizure by the Dutch after the "Contract to Breda of 21st July 1667";; British re-seizure 1785 in exchange for Fort Sekondi; 1806/07 abandonned and surrendered to the Ashantis; later re-seizure by the British Fort Tantum Tantumkweri; from 1725 hist. "Tantumquerry"; Fort construction by the British 1725 Fort Leydsamheid "Vestung de la patience" Fort Apam Apam from 1687     also "Fort Lijdzaamheid", Fort construction by the Dutch, 1687; Conquest and destroing by the Akims, 1811; Re-seizure and re-construction by the British Fort Winnebah Winneba 17th cent. - 1812 Seizured by the natives 1812 (torture and murdering of the British commandant); abandoned and blasted 1812 Dutch fort Sanje sometime before 1839 In 1839 were to see still the ruins of an old Dutch fort. Fort Beraku Fort De Goede Hoop Senya-Beraku from 1664    "Klein-Beraku", Fort construction 1664 by the Dutch; Dutch re-seizure 1785 in exchange for Fort Sekondi Fort James Accra-Jamestown from 1672 The heasquarter of the former "British-Accra" in "Little-Accra" Fort Crèvecoeur Accra-Usshertown from 1650   The headquarter of the former "Nederlands-Accra" in "Little-Accra". Fort construction by the Dutch, 1650 Conquest and destroying by the British, 1782; Re-seizure and re-construction by the Dutch, 1785 Fort Cará Fort Christiansborg Accra-Osu from or after 1583           The headquarter of the former "Danish-Accra" in Osu (hist. Ursue) The Crown of Denmark purchased officially this fort from the Crown of Portugal in 1661.; Begin of re-construction of the fort by the Swedes in 1661 after the act of transfer for an coastal area near of the village Osu; Area ceded from the King of Great-Accra to the King of Denmark in 1661. Portuguese re-seizure in 1679 after betrayal of the then Danish commandant. Return to Denmark in 1683. Re-construction of the fort by the Danes in 1787; British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850. Fort Augustaborg Teshie from 1787   hist. Tessing, Tassy; British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850. Fort Tema Tema before 1779    Abandoned by the Dutch during the American Independence War; Danish seizure in 1783; British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850. Fort Ponny Pony before 1779    Abandoned by the Dutch during the American Independence War; Danish seizure in 1783; British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850.'' Fort Vernon Prampram before 1783 Native name of the location: "Gbugbla"; An old British fort was 1783 already abandoned and ruined. Re-construction of the fort by the British in 1806. Fort Fredensborg Ningo (Great-Ningo) from 1734   Fort construction by the Danes 1734-1741 British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850. Fort Kongensteen Ada Foah from 1783   On the western banks of the river Volta at the village "Tuberku"; Fort construction by the Danes 1783/84; British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850 Fort Prindsensteen Keta from 1784   hist: "Quitta"; Fort construction by the Danes in 1784/85 British seizure after purchase from Denmark in 1850 Settlements, sort by European owner nation Portugal Portuguese Settlements at the Gold Coast settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) Portuguese period remarks Apansi (Fort Duma) (Apansi) 1623 - 1636 destroyed by the Dutch   Axim (Forte de Santo António de Axim, Forte de Axém, Fort San Antonio ) (Axim) 1500 (1502) - 1515 destroyed by an earthquake 1541 - 1642 Re-construction by the Portugueses, 1541; conquest by the Dutch (from the Portugueses, 8 February 1642 Shama (Forte de São Sebastião de Shama, Fort San Sebastian) (Shama) 1558 - 1640 English (English factory) expulsed by the Portugueses, 1558; fort construction by the Portugueses after 1558; Portugieses (probably expelled from the French, after 1558 (unconfirmed); Dutch conquest (from Portugueses or French) (?) in 1640 Elmina (Fort São Jorge da Mina, Fort Elmina, Elmina Castle) (Elmina) 1482 - 1637 conquered by the Dutch, 29 August 1637 Cape Coast (Forte de Ogua, Forte à Cabo Corso, Fort Carolusburg, Fort Karlsborg, Cape Coast Castle) (Cape Coast) to 1638 Portuguese factory conquered by the Dutch, 1638 Portuguese post (between Amamfro and Mouri) to 1638 Portuguese factory   Anashan (Fort Dom Pedro) (Anashan) 1683-1690 Portuguese post after seizure of Christoansborg, 1683; as last Portuguese post abandoned with retreat of the Portugueses from the Gold Coast 1690   Accra-Osu (Fort Cará, Fort Christiansborg, Osu Castle) (Accra-Osu) 1558 - 1576 Portuguese post, destroyed by the natives in 1576; 1583 - before 1645 fort construction by the Portugueses after 1583; abandonned again sometime later, In 1645 were there only still the ruins of the old Portuguese fort. 1679 - 1683 Portuguse seizure after betrayal of the Danish commandant Boldt, 1679; Return to Denmark after tenacious diplomatic negotiations in Europe, 1683 Orsoka (Orsoka, between Accra and Teshi) 1530 - 1578 Portuguese post   Netherlands Netherlands Settlements at the Gold Coast (to 1872) settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) Dutch period remarks Apollonia (Fort Apollonia, Fort Beyin) (Beyin) 1868 - 1872 Dutch seizure (from the British) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Fort Eliza Carthago (on the mouth of the Ankobra river) 1640 - 1680 abandoned 1680   Fort Ruijghaver (also: Fort Ruychaver) 1654 - 1660 two possible locations (not confirmed); self-destructed during siege by natives   Axim (Forte de Santo António de Axim, Fort San Antonio, Fort Saint Anthony) (Axim) 8 February 1642 - April 1664 Dutch conquest (from the Portuguese), 8 February 1642; British conquest (from the Dutch) by the Squadron of Admiral Robert Holmes, April 1664 1665 - 1872 Dutch reconquest (from the British) by the Squadron of Admiral de Ruyter 1665; sold to Great Britain, 1872 Princesstown Großfriedrichsburg, Fort Hollandia) (Princesstown) 1717 (1722) - 1872 purchased (by the Dutch) from the King of Prussia, 1717; but no seizure could take place (handover rejected by Jan Conny), however Dutch seizure after a contract with Jan Conny, 1722; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Dixcove (Fort Dickieschofft, Fort Dixcove, Fort Metal Cross (Dixcove) 1868 - 1872 Dutch seizure (from the British) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange 1868; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Boutrie (Fort Boutrie, Fort Batenstein) (Boutrie) 1598 - anytime before 1655 Dutch factory 1665 - 1872 Dutch conquest (from the British) by the Squadron of Admiral de Ruyter, 1665; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Takoradi (Fort Witsen, Fort Taccarary) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1658 - 1659 Dutch conquest (from the Danish) 1658; Danish reconquest (from the Dutch), 1659   1659 - 21 April 1664 Dutch reconquest (from the Danish), 1659 British conquest (from the Dutch),21 April 1664 4 January 1665 - 5 January 1665 Dutch reconquest (from the British) by the Squadron Admiral de Ruyter, 4 January 1665; requonquest by the British, Fort blasted by the British, 5 January 1665 13 October 1687 - 1872 Dutch conquest of the rebuilt fort (from the Brandenburgers), 13 October 1687; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Sekondi (Fort Sekondi, Fort Orange) (Sekondi-Takoradi) ? - 1785 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1785, in exchange for Fort Kommendah (= Fort Vredenburg) 1868 - 1872 Dutch seizure (from the British) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Aboarg (between Sekondi and Shama) 17th century (not more in the 1690s) Dutch factory   Shama (Forte de São Sebastião de Shama, Fort San Sebastian (Ghana), Fort Shama) (Shama) 1640 - 1872 Factory conquered by the Dutch (from the French), 1640; later building of a fort by the Dutch; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Komenda (British-Kommendah) (Fort Kommendah) (Komenda) 1868 - 1872 Dutch seizure with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange 1868; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Komenda (Fort Vredenburgh, Klein Comendo) (Komenda) 1659/1660 - November 1681 Dutch factory; conquered by the natives (Eguafo) (from the Dutch) and destroyed, November 1681 1688 - January 1782 Fort built in 1688; British conquest (from the Dutch) and blasting, January 1782 1785 - 1872 Re-building of Fort Vredenburg (by the Dutch) after seizure in exchange for Fort Sekondi and , 1785; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Elmina (Fort São Jorge da Minha) (Elmina) 29 August 1637 - 1872 Dutch conquest (from the Portuguese), 29 August 1637; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Elmina (Fort Conraadsburg, Fort San Jago, Forte de São Tiago) (Elmina) 1637 - 1872 built (on the St.Jago Hill) by the Dutch, 1637; sale to Great Britain, 1872 Cape Coast (Fort Carolusburg; Fort Karlsborg; Cape Coast Castle) (Cape Coast) 1638 Dutch factory on the place of an old Portuguese factory 1647 - 1648 a Dutch and a English factory side by side; Dutch driven away by the Fetus, 1648 1659 Dutch conquest (from the Danes), 1659; Dutch driven away by the Fetus, 1659 2 May 1663 - 3 May 1663 Handing over to the Dutch by the Fetus, 2 May 1663; Dutch driven away by the Fetus, 3 May 1663 Mamfro Fort Fredericksborg, Fort Royal) (Amamfro (Mamfru)) 1868 - 1872 original Danish fort; Dutch seizure (from the British) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange 1868; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Mouri (Fort Nassau, Fort Mouri) (Mouri) 1598 - 1612 Dutch factory 1612 - 1650s Fort building by the Dutch, 1612; Fort later abandonned (1650s) 1665 - 25 March 1782 Dutch conquest (from the British) by the squadron of Admiral de Ruyter, 1665; British conquest (from the Dutch) by the squadron of Commodore Shirley, 25 March 1782 1785 - 1868 Dutch seizure (from the British) in exchange with Fort Sekondi, 1785; British seizure (from the Dutch) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Anomabu (Fort Annamaboe, Fort Charles, Fort Williams) (Anomabu) 1640 - not more 1652 Dutch factory April 1659 - 1659 Dutch conquest (from the Danish), April 1659 1663 - May 1664 Dutch conquest (from the British) by the Squadron of Admiral de Ruyter, 1663; British reconquest (from the Dutch) by Admiral Robert Holmes, May 1664 Dutch fort (east of Fort Annamaboe) anytime before 1839 the ruins of an former Dutch fort beside of the British Fort Anomabu were still to see in 1839   Adja (Fort Adja, Fort William) (Adja, also Adra) after 1660 - May 1664 Dutch conquest (from the Danish), anytime after 1660 and before May 1664; British conquest (from the Dutch) by Admiral Robert Holmes, May 1664 anytime after May 1664 - 1674 Dutch re-seizure anytime after May 1664; British re-seizure after betrayal, 1674 Kormantin (Fort Kormantin, Fort Amsterdam) (Abandze at Saltpond) 1644 - anytime after Dutch conquest (from the British) 1644; British reconquest (from the Dutch) short time later 1663 - 1783 Dutch conquest (from the British) by the Squadron of Admiral de Ruyter, 1663; with the Treaty of Breda 21 July 1667 officially adjudged to the Dutches; British conquest (from the Dutch), 1783 1783 - 1807 Dutch seizure (from the British) in exchange for Fort Sekondi, 1783; Conquest by the Ashantis (from the Dutch), 1807, and subsequent plundering and destruction of the Fort by the Anomabus 1868 Seizure by the British with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange 1868 Apam (Fort Apam, Fort Leydsamheid, Vestung de la patience) (Apam) 1697 - 1782 Construction of the Dutch fort launched 1697; British conquest (from the Dutch), 1782 1785 - 1811 Dutch re-conquest (from the British), 1785; Conquest by the Akims (from the Dutch), Fort plundered and destructed, 1811 anytime after 1811 - 1868 Dutch re-seizure, anytime after 1811; British seizure (from the Dutch) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange 1868 Sanje (Sanje, "½ day walk east of Winneba") anytime before 1839 the ruins of an former Dutch fort were still to see in 1839   Beraku (Fort De Goede Hoop, Fort Beraku, Little Bercoe, Berracoe) (Senya-Beraku) 1664 - 1782 Conquest of the Dutch fort by the British (Commodore Shirley), 1782 1785 - 1868 Dutch seizure (from the British) in exchange for Fort Sekondi, 1785; British seizure with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Accra (Netherlands-Accra) (Fort Crèvecoeur, Ussher Fort) (Accra-Usshertown) 1642 - 1649 Dutch factory, probably already before 1649 - 18 April 1782 British conquest (from the Dutch), 18 April 1782, and destructed 1785 - 1868 Dutch rebuilding of the destructed fort,1785; British seizure with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Accra (Danish-Accra, Osu) (Fort Cará, Fort Usrue, Fort Christiansborg, Osu Castle) (Accra-Osu) 1659 - 1661 Dutch conquest (from the Danish), 1659; Ejection of the Dutch by the Swedish after the conveyance of the land by the King of Great-Accra to the Swedish, 1661 Teshi (Fort Augstaborg, Fort Tessing, Fort Tassy) (Teshie) anytime after 1656 - May 1781 Danish conquest of the Dutch factory, May 1781 Tema (Tema) anytime before - 1779/1780 Dutch factory, abandoned 1779/1780   Ponny (Pony, "2 Miles west of Tema") anytime before - 1779/1780 Dutch factory, abandoned 1779/1780   Ada (Ada Foah) in 1775 Dutch factory near Danish factory in 1775, short time later abandoned   Notices: Founding of the "Westindische Compagnie der Vereenigde Nederlande" (W.I.C.) in June 1621 as privileged society for the Dutch trade in West Africa and West India (with exception of the trade with spices); the W.I.C. existed until to 1791 first "Directeur-Generaal" ("Bewindhebber" of the W.I.C. on the Gold Coast): N. van Iperen (1638-1639) 1791 - 1872: all Dutch etablissements on the Gold Coast were direct subjected to the "Generalstaaten" (later: Dutch monarchy) Great Britain British Settlements at the Gold Coast settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) British period remarks to the possession period Apollonia (Fort Apollonia, Fort Beyin) (Beyin) 1750 - 1957 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1750 Axim (Forte de Santo António de Axim, Forte de Axém, Fort San Antonio ) (Axim) 1664 - 1665 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1664 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Dixcove (Fort Dickieschofft, Fort Metal Cross, Fort Dixcove); (Dixcove) 1684 British factory, 1684 (failed trial) 1691 - 1868 British seizure (from the Brandenburgers), 1691 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Boutrie (Fort Batenstein, Fort Boutrie, Fort Boutry) (Boutrie) 1664 British seizure (from the Swedish), 1664 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Takoradi (Fort Witsen, Fort Taccarary) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1640 - 1644 British factory, 1640 (abandoned 1644)   21 Apr 1664 – 4 Jan 1665 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1664 (?) - 1779/1784 French seizure (from the British) and destroying (not again rebuilded) Sekondi (Fort Saccondee, Fort Sekondi, Fort Orange) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1785 - 1868 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1785 (in exchange for Fort Vredenstein (Kommendah)) 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Shama (Forte de São Sebastião de Shama, Fort San Sebastian (Ghana), Fort Shama) (Shama) 1555 - 1558 English trading post (not permanently); The English were fought and dispelled by the Portugueses. 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Komenda (Fort Kommendah) (A British fort vis-à-vis a Dutch fort) (Komenda) 1632 - 1633 British factory (abandoned again short time later) 1663 - 1695 British factory 1695 - 1868 British fort (Fort construction 1695-1698); Dutch seizure with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Komenda (Fort Vredenburgh, Klein-Comendo) (Komenda) Jan. 1782 British conquest (from the Dutch) and destroying of the fort 1785 - 1872 Re-seizure of the fort ruins (from the British) in exchange for Fort Sekondi and rebuilding of Fort Vredenburg, 1785; Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Elmina (Fort São Jorge da Minha) (Elmina) 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Elmina (Fort Conraadsburg, Fort Koenraadsburg, Fort San Jago, Forte de São Tiago) (Elmina) 1637 - 1872 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Jankumase (Jankumase) (northern of Cape Coast Castle) in 1822 fortified British trading post   Cape Coast (Fort Carolusburg; Fort Karlsborg; Cape Coast Castle) (Cape Coast) 1647 - 1648 British and Dutch factory side by side 1650 - 1652 English and Swedish factory side by side; Fort construction in Anglo-Swedish racing duel; The Swedish fort (Fort Carolusburg) was completed first. The English were forced to retreat in 1652. 3 May 1663 - 1957 British conquest (from the Dutch), 3 May 1663; 1664-1875: the British main post on the Gold Coast Ojuquah (Ojuquah) (northeastern of Cape Coast Castle) in 1822 fortified British trading post   Mamfro Fort Fredericksborg, Fort Royal) (Amamfro (Mamfru)) 1659 - 1684 (1688) Danish fort; 1684 occupied by British military due to gambling debts of the then Danish fort commander Lykke; 1688 definitely ceded by the King of Danmark to Great Britain 1688 - 1872 Dutch seizure after the great Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 1872 - 1957 Sold from the Netherlands to Great Britain, 1872 Mouri (Fort Nassau, Fort Mouri) (Mouri) 1664 - 1665 British conquest from the Dutches by the Squadron Admiral Holmes, 1664; Dutch re-conquest by the Squadron of Admiral Ruyter, 1665 1782 - 1785 British conquest from the Dutch, 1782; ceded to the Netherlands in exchange for Fort Sekondi, 1785 1868 - 1957 British seizure with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Ingenisian (Inghasian, Enninschan) (in the country of Sabou, at the village Ingenisian) anytime in the 16th/17th century British factory Anomabu (Fort Annamaboe, Fort Charles, Fort Williams) (Anomabu) until 1640 British factory, 1640 abandoned 1659 - 1663 British conquest (from the Dutch), 1659; Dutch conquest (from the British), 1663 May 1664 - ? British conquest (from the Dutch), May 1664; however later abandoned 1753 - 1957 British conquest (from the French), 1753 Adja (Fort Adja, Fort William) (Adja, also Adra) 1664 British conquest from the Dutch, May 1664; but re-conquest by the Dutch short time later   1674 - 1957 British seizure (from the Dutch), 1674 Egya (Egya) in 1663 British post   Kormantin (Fort Kormantin, Fort Amsterdam) (Abandze at Saltpond) 1631 - 1644 The first permanent English settlement at the Gold Coast, construction of the fort: 1634 1644 - 1663 Dutch conquest (from the British), 1644, but short time later again British; Dutch seizure by the Squadron Admiral Ruyter, 1663; with the Treaty to Breda (21 July 1667) definitively ceded by Great Britain to the Netherlands 1782 - 1785 British conquest (from the Dutch), 1782; Dutch seizure in exchange for Fort Sekondi, 1785 1868 - 1957 1807 by Ashantis conquered and plundered; British re-seizure of the fort ruins with the great Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Tantankweri (Fort Tantum, Fort Tantumquerry) (Tantamkweri) 1725 - ? British post, later ruins Apam (Fort Apam, Fort Leydsamheid, Vestung de la patience) (Apam) 1782 - 1785 British conquest from the Dutch, 1782: Dutch re-seizure, 1785 1868 - 1957 1811 by Akims conquered, plundered and destroyed; British re-seizure of the fort ruins after the great Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Winneba (Fort Winneba) (Winneba) 1694 - 1812 British fort, built 1694; 1812 abandoned and blasted Beraku (Fort De Goede Hoop, Fort Beraku, Little Bercoe, Berracoe) (Senya-Beraku) 1785 - 1785 British conquest (from the Dutch), 1782: Dutch seizure in exchange for Fort Sekondi, 1785 1868 - 1957 British seizure (from the Dutch) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Shido (Shido) in 1690 British post   Accra (Netherlands-Accra) (Fort Crèvecoeur, Ussher Fort) (Accra-Usshertown) 1782 - 1785 British conquest (from the Dutch) and destroying, 18th April 1782; Dutch re-conquest, 1785 1868 - 1957 British seizure (from the Dutch) with the Anglo-Dutch fort exchange, 1868 Accra (British-Accra) (Fort James) (Accra-Jamestown) 1672 - 1957 British fort Accra (Danish-Accra, Osu) (Fort Cará, Fort Usrue, Fort Christiansborg, Osu Castle) (Accra-Osu) 6 March 1850 - 1957 Sold by Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; handing over by the Danes to the British, 6 March 1850 Teshi (Fort Augstaborg, Fort Tessing, Fort Tassy) (Teshie) 1850 - 1957 Sold by Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850 Tema (Tema) 1850 - 1957 Sold by Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850   Ponny (Pony) 1850 - 1957 Danish post from 1783; Sale to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850   Pram-Pram (Fort Vernon, Fort Prampram) (Prampram) before 1783, 1806 - before 1811 1783 only still the ruins of an abandoned British post; 1806 British trial of a re-construction, but failed; since 1811 only still ruins visibly Ningo (Fort Fredensborg, Fort Ningo, Great Ningo) (Old-Ningo, Great Ningo) 1850 - 1957 Sold by Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850 Lay (Lay) until 1783 1783 abandoned British post   Ada (Fort Kongensteen, Fort Adda) (Ada Foah) 1850 - 1957 Sale from Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850 Keta (Fort Prindsensteen, Fort Quitta, Fort Keta) (Keta) 1850 - 1957 Sale from Denmark to Great Britain, 1849; British seizure, 1850 Sweden Swedish Establishments on the Gold Coast settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) Swedish period remarks Apollonia (Fort Apollonia) (Beyin) begin of the 1650s, not more 1658 Swedish factory Boutrie Fort Boutrie (Boutrie) sometime before 1655 - 1664 Swedish factory Takoradi (Fort Witsen, Fort Taccarary) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1640 - 1657 built on the place of the ruins of an old French factory conquered by the Danes 1657   Cape Coast (Fort Karlsborg, Fort Carolusburg, Caoe Coast Castle) (Cape Coast) 1650 - 1656 conquered by the Danish 1656 1659 – 22 April 1663 handing over from the Fetus 1659; reconquest by the Fetus, 23 April 1663 Anomabu (Fort Annamaboe, Fort Anomabu, Fort Charles, Fort William) (Anomabu) 1652 - 1657 built on the ruins of an old Dutch factory 1652/53; conquered by the Danish 1657 due to the belligerency between Denmark and Sweden in Europe Adja (Fort Adja; Fort Adra; Fort William) (Adja (Adra)) 1657 - 1660 Swedish factory, 1657-1669; Danish conquest (from the Swedish), 1660   Accra-Osu (Fort Christiansborg, Fort Osu) (Accra-Osu) 1645 - 1658 built on the ruins of the old Portuguese Fort Cará 1645; conquered by the Danes 1658 1661 - 1664 Ejection of the Dutch by the Swedish after the conveyance of the Dutch-occupated land by the King of Akara (Akkra, Great-Accra) to the Swedish, 1661; begin of constructing of the later Fort Christiansborg, 1661; British conquest (from the Swedish or Danish) by Admiral Robert Holmes, May 1664 Founding of the "Afrikanska Kompani" in 1649 with the Royal privilege for the Swedish trade in Africa, Asia and America Declaration of war of Denmark on Sweden on the 1st of August 1657 (and entry in the First Nordic War); Treaty of Peace between Denmark and Sweden, February 1658 In the Peace to Breda on the 21st of July, 1667 abadonned Sweden ultimate and officially all his claims of ownership for the former Swedish possessions on the Gold Coast. Denmark Danish Establishments on the Gold Coast settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) Danish period remarks Takoradi (Fort Taccarary, Fort Witsen) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1657 - 1658 Danish factory on the place of a abandoned British factory 1657-1658; Dutch conquest (from the Danish), 1658   1658 - 1659 Danish reconquest (from the Dutch), 1658; Dutch reconquest (from the Danish), 1659 Caoe Coast (Fort Karlsborg, Fort Carolusburg, Cape Coast Castle) (Cape Coast) 1656 - 1659 Danish conquest (from the Swedish) 1656; conquered by the Dutches, 1659 Fredericksborg (Fort Fredericksborg, Fort Royal) (Amamfro (Mamfru)) 1659 - 1684 (1688) Danish construction after contract with the King of Fetu, 1659; occupied by the British 1684 because of gambling debts of the Danish fort commander; ceded finally from Denmark to Great Britain per contract, 1688 Mouri (Fort Nassau), Fort Mouri) (Mouri) 1659 - 1664 Rebuilding of the ruins of the old Dutch fort Nassau by the Danes, 1659; British conquest (from the Danes), 1664 Annamaboe (Fort Anomabu, Fort Charles, Fort William) (Anomabu) 1657 - 1659 Danish conquest (from the Swedish), 1659; Dutch conquest (from the Danes), April 1664 Adja (Adra) (Fort Adja, Fort William) (on the coast between Anomabu and Kormantin (Saltpond)) 1660 Danish conquest (from the Swedish), 1660; Dutch conquest (from the Danes), 1660   Accra-Osu (Danish-Accra) (Fort Christiansborg, Fort Osu) (Osu, Accra) 1658 Danish conquest (from the Swedish), 1658 1661 - 1679 Danish conquest (from the Swedish), 1661; unauthorized sale to the Portugueses by the Danish commandant, 1679 1683 - 1690 retransfer of ownership from Portugal to Denmark, 1683 conquest and occupation by Akwamu natives under King Asemoni, 1690 1693 - 1850 retransfer after repurchase from the Akwamus 1693; sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850 Augustaborg (Fort Augustaborg, Fort Teshi) (Teshi) 1656 - anytime later rebuilding of a Danish factory on the place of a former Danish factory, 1656; Dutch conquest (from the Danes), anytime later 1781 - 1850 Danish conquest (by the Dutches), 1781; begin of the construction of a fort, 1787; sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850 Tema (Fort Tema) (Tema) 1783 - 1850 Danish trading post (later a little fort) from 1783 on the spot of a former Dutch factory (abandoned by the Dutch 1779/1780); sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850   Fredensborg (Fort Fredensborg, Fort NingoGreat Ningo) (Old-Ningo, Great Ningo) 1734 - 1850 Danish post from 1734; fort construction completed 1741; sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850 Ponny (Ponny) (Pony (2 Danish miles east of Tema)) 1783 - 1850 Danish trading post from 1783 on the spot of a former Dutch factory (abandoned by the Dutch 1779/1780); sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850   Frederiksberg, from 1831: Frederiksgave (Frederiksgave, Bibiasé ?) (around Sesemi) 1800 - 1831 private plantation of the Danish Gouverneur Henrik Gerhard Lindt, 1831 purchased as Royal Danish agricultural trial plantage and resort   1831 - 1850 Sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850 Eieboe (on the Eieboe land tongue in the Volta mouth) 1799 - 1850 private possession of the Danish Commander/later Gouverneur Jens P. Flindt; later: Royal Danish agricultural trial plantation; sold by Denmark to Great Britain, 1850   Tuberku Ada (Ada-Island, hist. Tuberekko) (the Tubereku island in the lower Volta) 1780s/1790s Danish factory   Kongensteen (Ada) (Fort Kongensteen, Fort Adda) (Ada Foah) 1731 - 1782 Danish factory on the Ada island from 1731; 1782 abandoned 1783 - 1850 foundation stone ceremony for the fort, 15 Oct. 1783; sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850 Pottebra (on a little tongue of land in the Volta mouth) 1784 - anytime later Danish factory on the Slave Coast (administrated from the Gold Coast) Aflahu (Aflahu) 1787 - 1850 Danish factory from 1787; sold from Denmark to Great Britain, 1850   Way (Wei) 1757 - anytime later Danish factory from 1757; anytime later abandoned   Whuti (Fouthe) (Whuti, Wute) anytime before 1783 Danish factory anytime before 1783; probably abandoned during the events of 1779/1780 or already before   Prindsensteen (Keta) (Fort Prindsensteen, Fort Quitta, Fort Keta) (Keta) 1784 - anytime later Danish factory Awuna (Anlo) (Anlo, Anglo, Augna) (on the banks of the Awuna Lagoon) 1784 - anytime later Danish factory   Klein-Popo (Little Popo) (Anecho, contemporary Togo) 1784 - anytime later Danish factory in the Bight of Biafra (administrated from the Gold Coast) Bimbia (Bimbia island in the Cameroon Bay) 1804 - anytime later Danish plantation Founding of the Danish "Afrikanske Kompagnie" in 1656 and granting of the Royal privilege for the trade on the Guinea Coast and West Indies Declaration of war of Denmark on Sweden on the 1st of August 1657 (and entry in the First Nordic War); Treaty of Peace between Denmark and Sweden, February 1658 Brandenburg/Prussia Brandenburger Establishments on the Gold Coast (from 1701: Prussian) settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) Brandenburger period remarks Princesstown (Fort Großfriedrichsburg, Fort Hollandia) (Princesstown) 1 January 1683 - 18 December 1717 handed over to Jan Conny, a native trader and warlord, in 1717 Takrama (Sophie-Louise-Schanze, also called: Die Loge); (near Takrama) 1694 - 18 December 1717 handed over to Jan Conny, a native trader and warlord, in 1717   Akwida (Dorotheenschanze) (Akwida) 1683 - 7 October 1687 Dutch conquest (from the Brandenburgers) and destroying, 7 October 1687 Dixcove (Fort Dickieschofft, Fort Metal Cross) (Dixcove) 1684 - 1691 British conquered (from the Brandenburgers) in 1691 Takoradi (Fort Taccarary, Fort Witsen) (Sekondi-Takoradi) 1685 - 13 October 1687 old ruins rebuilt 1685 after request of the natives; Dutch conquest (from the Brandenburgers), 13 Oct 1687   The Kingdom of Prussia was founded on the 18th of January 1701 with the Electoral Margraviate (Kurfürstliches Markgrafentum) of Brandenburg as a part. With a treaty from 18 December 1717 sold Friedrich Wilhelm I, King of Prussia, all his possessions in West Africa to the Dutch West India Company. France The Norman round arch gate of the "Franse Batterie" of Elmina end of the 19th century. The most of the French history on the West African Gold Coast is in the dark. The main reason for that is based in the political propaganda of the former European colonial powers. There are mainly the Portugueses, English and Dutch, which have openly concealed and disavowed each French activity on the Lower Guinea Coast in pre-Portuguese times for political purposes. However, for instance there are any narratives about the first English travels on the West African Coast in the 1550s and these report about heavy fights between French and Portugeses on and before the Gold Coast. Also the Portuguese seizure of Elmina shall not passed off so friendly how from Azurara drawed. The evidence that at least the British and the Dutch had knowledge about that provides a photo, found in The National Archives in London. The original caption to this picture is: “Cuter work, earliest portion of castle of Saint George, Elmina (Datso from the norman occupation about 1400).” But also Willem Bosmann, a Dutch serviceman on the Gold Coast in the 1660s, reported about this part of the building in Elmina which the Dutch have called "De Franse Batterie" (="The French battery"). On the cap stone of the round-arch (masoned in romanesque manner) shall have been visible the year mark "13xx" ("x" for illegible numbers). So, the Dutch, which were the owner of this fort from 1637, knew this detail.. The reasons for the end of the French presence in West Africa in the 16th century can be seen in the ravage of the pest in southern France end of the 14th/begin of the 15th centuries and in the civil war in France in combination with the "Hundred Years' War" (1337-1453). Probably the then shareholders of the African enterprise from Rouen and Dieppe were killed by the events, so that the Africa travels were stopped. The permanent reappearance of the French on the Gold Coast goes back to the year 1687 as during the reign of Louis XIV a ship of the Royal French Marine disembarked on the Gold Coast and brought any young people to France which returned to the Gold Coast together with a French military force in 1701, where one founded the Fort Assinie on the place of a former French factory (on request of the then native king) as French post on the western border of the Gold Coast. References French Settlements at the Gold Coast settlement (Fort names) (contemporary location) French period remarks Assinie (Fort Saint-Louis, Fort Assinie, Fort Issinie, Fort Issiny, Fort Joinville) (Assinie) 1637 - 1638 conquest and destroying by the Dekiras, 1638   1701 - 1702 conquest and destroying by the Dutch, 1702 from 1842 rebuilt on the ruins of the former settlement by the French as Fort Joinville, 1842 Anomabu (Fort Annamaboe) (Anomabu) 1744 - 1753 French building of a fort (at request of the native king) on the ruins of a former factory, 1744, British conquest, 1753