Cotton Tree, Freetown

Name: Cotton Tree
Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

#3 among attractions in Freetown

Top attraction, Tree

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Facts and practical information

The Cotton Tree is an iconic landmark situated in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone. This colossal tree stands as a historical beacon and a symbol of freedom for the people of Sierra Leone. It is not just any tree; it is an emblematic sentinel that has witnessed the evolution of the city from its earliest days.

Legend has it that the Cotton Tree gained its significance during the late 18th century when freed slaves from the United States, Nova Scotia, and the Caribbean first landed on the shores of Freetown. They congregated under the vast branches of the Cotton Tree to give thanks and prayers for their newfound freedom, marking it as a symbol of hope and a fresh start.

The Cotton Tree is easily one of the most recognizable features of Freetown and has become an informal emblem of the city. The tree's remarkable size and sprawling branches make it a natural monument and a gathering place for both locals and tourists. It is also a spiritual site, where people often come to pray or reflect.

Though it is not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense, with observation decks or guided tours, the Cotton Tree is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Freetown. Its significance to the city and its people is profound, representing the resilience and spirit of the Sierra Leonean community.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 8°29'14"N, 13°14'8"W

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Freetown Sierra Leone

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Day trips

Cotton Tree – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Freetown Central Mosque, Sierra Leone National Museum, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Circular Road Cemetery.

0.4 miNE
Mosque
Freetown Central Mosque, Freetown
10 min walk • The Freetown Central Mosque stands as a beacon of spiritual significance in the bustling city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. This mosque serves as a central hub for the Islamic community in the city, offering a place of worship, gathering, and spiritual learning.
~180 ftSW
Specialty museum, Museum
Sierra Leone National Museum, Freetown
1 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Freetown, the Sierra Leone National Museum stands as a custodian of the nation's cultural heritage and history. Established in 1957, just before the country gained independence, the museum serves as a repository of Sierra Leone’s rich...
~1210 ftNE
Church
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Freetown
6 min walk • Sacred Heart Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith in the bustling city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. This prominent church serves not only as a spiritual center for the Catholic community but also as a historical landmark within the capital city.
0.7 miSE
Cemetery
Circular Road Cemetery, Freetown
19 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Circular Road Cemetery stands as a solemn and historical landmark. This resting place is a testament to the city's rich and complex history, encapsulating memories of the past within its quiet confines.
~1040 ftN
Church
St. George’s Cathedral, Freetown
6 min walk • St. George's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the bustling city of Freetown, Sierra Leone. This Anglican Cathedral, a spiritual and architectural landmark, has been a place of worship and solace for the local community since its consecration.
~640 ftN
Memorial
Freetown Memorial, Freetown
4 min walk • The Freetown Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the world wars, located in the heart of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. This historical monument is dedicated to the memory of Sierra Leonean soldiers who fought and died in...
~650 ftSW
Church
St. John's Maroon Church, Freetown
4 min walk • St. John's Maroon Church, a historic emblem nestled in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people. This church is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of freedom for the...
1.2 miSE
Universities and schools
Fourah Bay College, Freetown
30 min walk • Fourah Bay College is a public university in the neighbourhood of Mount Aureol in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Founded on 18 February 1827, it is the first western-style university built in Sub-Saharan Africa and, furthermore, the first university-level institution in Africa.
1.1 miSW
Sport, Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue
National Stadium, Freetown
27 min walk • The Siaka Stevens National Stadium, commonly known informally as the National Stadium, is the national stadium of Sierra Leone, located in the capital city of Freetown. It is used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities. It is the largest and main stadium in Sierra Leone and has a 45,000 capacity.
~1590 ftSE
Universities and schools
Institute of Public Administration and Management, Freetown
8 min walk • The Institute of Public Administration and Management is an institute of the University of Sierra Leone. It operates like other constituent colleges of the University of Sierra Leone, under the authority of the University Senate and the University Court.
~1620 ftSE
Neighbourhood
Western Area Urban District, Freetown
8 min walk • The Western Area Urban District is one of the 16 districts of Sierra Leone. It is by far the most populous district in the country with a population of 1,050,301 and is located in the Western Area of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Cotton Tree?

Nearby attractions include Sierra Leone National Museum, Freetown (1 min walk), Freetown Memorial, Freetown (4 min walk), St. John's Maroon Church, Freetown (4 min walk), St. George’s Cathedral, Freetown (6 min walk).