Cape Coast Castle

We were going to go to the canopy walk on our P-Day, but somehow ended up in the office again - and it's a good thing because President Shulz forgot something before he went out of town and we were able to assist him because we were there.  We ended up at The Cape Coast Castle instead and then went to the Castle Resturaunt for dinner.  I tried the yam balls and chicken (instead of the "safe" rice and chicken that Lynn always orders)  It was like mashed potatoes cooked with green pepper and onions, then formed into 3" balls and deep fried.  It was pretty good.  

There are several of these castles along the Ghana coastline, but this is one of the biggest.  It sits right on a point where the waves crash into each other for a spectacular spray.  The point also gives it a visual advantage of the sea which would be important for a military fort.  

It took the Dutch 60 years to build it in 1656.  Many African Americans come here in search of their roots.  Even the current commander in chief and the first lady in 2009.  Cough!

I didn't get as many details as I craved to know about the history and architecture of the place (my companion just really isn't into it - OK I'll admit...I can never know enough about anything!)  All of the rainwater is diverted into 18' deep cisterns under this area.  The water was given to the slaves to drink, and was used for "scrubbing". 

Sorry the pictures are so dark but it WAS dark.  I can't imagine what it would have been like without the few light bulbs that are there now.  2 female dungeons held 300 adults plus children.  The children were given as a bonus when the females were sold.  5 male dungeons held 1,000 adults.  Each dungeon is approximately 20x40 and is dank and dark except for the 2 "ventilation holes" 1x1.  Imagine having a whole 4 sq. ft to yourself for 2-3 months.  They would have to sleep in shifts, or remain upright.  The conditions would have been horrible!  When the dried feces was 4 ft. deep, they finally cleaned it out!  I've visited a few outhouses that were so bad that I had to hold my breath.  I can't comprehend living on top of it. 

This "Freedom Cell" was built for those that tried to escape.  It held 50-60 adults and was about 10x10 and there were no ventilation holes... or food or water for the detainees. They were left there until they all died.  The last survivors smelling those that received their "freedom" before they did.  It was really hot inside...without anyone else in it!

The sign above this door says "The Door of No Return".  The slaves were sold to merchants (from many countries - not just America), tied up with ropes and channeled through a long tunnel until they reached this point, then they were fitted with metal shackles.  The original door was only about 3 feet high so they would have to fold themselves in half to get through.  Families were not sold together so when they went through this door, they never saw their family again.  The fresh air was brief before they entered the ship to experience similar conditions as what they had just left.  The 2-3 cargo holds had very low ceilings and held 700-800 slaves.

Most of the visitors on tour were black, it was uncomfortable being the only whites - but everyone was very gracious.