Freetown is picturesquely situated on a plain, closed in behind by a succession of wooded hills, the Sierra Leone, rising to a height of 1700 ft.
Freetown was the first place in British West Africa granted local self-government.
Both commercially and strategically Freetown is a place of importance.
The Moslems, who are among the most law-abiding and intelligent citizens of Freetown, have several state-aided primary schools.
During the administration of Noel Ballay (1848-1902), governor of the colony 1890-1900, Konakry was transformed from a place of small importance to one of the chief ports on the west coast of Africa and a serious rival to Freetown, Sierra Leone.
