Sierra Leoneans are mourning the demise of a 400-year-old beloved ancient tree in central Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, that was widely regarded as a treasure and national symbol because of its historic connection to the liberated slaves who founded the West African country.
The tree also symbolized what is believed to be the earliest site of contact between Canada and Africa. About 1,200 freed African American slaves, later known as the Nova Scotians, travelled to Sierra Leone by ship from Halifax in 1792. After holding a prayer meeting under the tree to give thanks for their safety, they christened their new home “Free Town.”
