Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, General Research and Reference Division

Élisée Reclus, The Earth and Its Inhabitants, Africa, vol. III (New York: D. Appleton, 1890–1893)

Like most trading depots, Gorée changed hands many times. It was held alternatively by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French, and the English. Wherever possible, such as in Gorée and Saint-Louis (Senegal), James (Gambia), and Bance (Sierra Leone), factories were located on islands to hamper escapes and attacks.