Kent, Sierra Leone

During the 17th and 18th centuries Kent was a centre for the slave trade; people were captured by the Portuguese, and then shipped from Kent to the Banana Islands, where they were inspected; many were later sent by ship to the Americas.[1] During this time, the village contained several slave pens, each of which could hold up to 500 slaves.[1]

Kent retained a connection with the slave trade following the abolition of slavery by the British. The British West Africa Squadron patrolled the area with boats to prevent illegal slaving. Kent then became a centre for hundreds of freed African American and Afro-Caribbean slaves[1] arriving from Nova Scotia, England and the United States.[2] The descendants of the settlers are the Creole people.

The village was officially founded and named at this time, by Nova Scotian Peter During, and Lieutenant-Colonel Charles McCarthy.[1] The slave pens were converted to churches by Anglican missionaries.[1]

Kent has been an important centre for palm nut agriculture since the 19th century, and palm wine and oil are still important components of the local economy.[1] Fishing is also important, as is tourism.[1] Visitors come for the beach, as well as to travel on the ferry to nearby Banana Islands.[1]

• http://www.ecosalone.com/Kent%20Sierra%20Leone.html
• http://www.ibike.org/bikeafrica/sierra-leone/essay/11-Kent.htm