DANISH GOLD COAST




DANISH GOLD COAST SETTLEMENTS

Danish activities on the coast of Guinea started in 1651 when the King of Denmark
granted Jewish traders from Glückstadt in Holstein the right to trade with Africa.
A first major permanent settlement - Fort Fredriksborg - was established at Amanfro
in 1659 and in the course of the following years some other fortified trading posts
were added. (1)
After the abolition of the slave trade in 1804 they gradually lost their importance
and in 1850 they were sold to the British.

(1) By 1850 the following forts still were in existence :

    - Fort Christiansborg at Accra, since 1661 (replaced Fort Fredriksborg as
      center after the capture of this fort by the English in 1685)
      in its viciny was the watchtower of Provesten, erected in 1729 
    - Fort Fredensborg at Ningo,    since 173.
    - Fort Prinsensten at Keta,     since 1784 
    - Fort Kongenstein at Ada,      since 1784
    - Fort Augustaborg at Teshi,    since 1787

    From 1674 to 1755 the settlements were under the West India-Guinea Company
    (Vestindisk-Guineiske Kompagni), which also managed Danish West India.
    Thereafter - and except for the period 1765 - 1778 when they were under 
    a Guinea Company (Guineiske Kompagni) - the settlements were subject to the
    Danish government.  
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DANISH CHIEF ADMMINISTRATOR

Governor
Gouvernør

1847 - 1850   Rasmus Eric Schmidt*



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