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39-767: Ardra may refer to: Kingdom of Ardra , a former West African kingdom Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis , a molecular biology technique Ardra, a continent in the video game War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius Ardra Nakshatra , a lunar mansion in Hindu astrology Ardra, the villain in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode " Devil's Due " See also [ edit ] Ardara (disambiguation) Topics referred to by

78-640: A railway. It was a centre for production and trade in palm kernels, palm oil , copra , coffee, manioc, beans, tomatoes and onions. It was also a centre of the fish trade and the manufacture of vegetable oil. It had Catholic, Protestant and Muslim places of worship. European involvement in West Africa differed between the Slave Coast and the Gold Coast. In contrast to the grand forts of the Gold Coast, William's Fort at Ouidah (ex-Slave Coast) stood as

117-405: A shrine dedicated to the 'king's fetish Mawoo', the god of creation, existing within the fort itself. This wasn't a recent development, as 18th century records mention a shrine within the fort dedicated to a local goddess. The presence of this shrine, believed to be responsible for the fort's invincibility, further underlines the assimilation that took place. This assimilation is also evident in

156-594: A testimonial to the slave trade. Today, Ouidah is economically peripheral, and 'cultural tourism' based on the slave trade is less successful. Unlike true ports, Ouidah was inland. Slaves and goods were transported along the "slave route" to the beach for embarkation. Ships couldn't approach due to sandbars and used canoes for communication (common on both the Slave Coast and the Gold Coast). The Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá (in English Fort of St John

195-612: Is also sometimes known by its capital's present-day name Allada . According to the Fon oral tradition, the Aja settlers that established themselves in the area of present-day Allada arrived in southern Benin around the 12th or 13th century coming from Tado , on the Mono River . They established themselves in the area that currently corresponds to southern Benin, until c. 1600, when three brothers — Kokpon, Do-Aklin, and Te-Agdanlin — split

234-416: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Kingdom of Ardra It was named for its capital, the modern Allada , which was also the main city and major port of the realm. The city and kingdom were supposedly founded by a group of Aja migrants from Tado , a settlement along the Mono River , in the 12th or 13th century. Its kings "ruled with

273-481: The transatlantic slave trade in 1808. This illegal shipment was aboard the Clotilda and went to Mobile, Alabama . The last shipment of slaves to Spanish Cuba occurred as late as 1873. France captured the town in 1894, by which time the town had declined due to the outlawing of the slave trade. In the time frame of 1946–1949 French government estimates put the population of Ouidah at about 14,600. By then it had

312-524: The 1680s alone. Originally a part of the Allada Kingdom, the city of Abomey went on to become capital of a new kingdom, the Kingdom of Dahomey , which grew strong enough to challenge the nearby Oyo Kingdom, with Dahomey finally vanquishing it and establishing itself as the main kingdom in the region. By the late 1690s, the growth of Dahomey had severely restricted Allada's supply of slaves from

351-858: The 19th century, while others claim to be the original inhabitants Integration went beyond ethnicity. The Lemon family, as an example, descended from a fort soldier who married locally, were even appointed royal guards by the Dahomian kings. Similarly, the Midjrokan family descended from the fort's 18th-century linguist, whose descendants inherited the role. Even families such as the Kocus, who are canoeists, trace their lineage back to an 18th-century Gold Coast boatswain. Religious practices at William's Fort also reflected this integration. Unlike other European forts with on-site chaplains, William's Fort appears to have adopted local customs. Historical accounts mention

390-696: The Baptist of Ouidah ) is a small fortress built by the Portuguese in Ouidah on the coast of Dahomey (originally Ajudá , from Hweda , on the Atlantic coast of modern Benin ), reached by the Portuguese in 1580, after which it grew around the slave trade , for which the Slave Coast was already renowned. In 1680 the Portuguese governor of São Tomé and Príncipe was authorized to erect a fort but nothing

429-553: The European influence, William's Fort relied heavily on African labour. The population surrounding the fort, Sogbadji, mirrored the diverse ethnic mix of Ouidah. Enslaved Africans often came from distant regions, making escape attempts less likely, while temporary workers from places such as the Gold Coast sometimes settled permanently. This diverse population is still evident in Sogbadji families today. Some trace their roots back to

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468-580: The French; Ajudá by the Portuguese; and Fida by the Dutch), and known locally as Glexwe , formerly the chief port of the Kingdom of Whydah , is a city on the coast of the Republic of Benin . The commune covers an area of 364 km (141 sq mi) and as of 2002 had a population of 76,555 people. In local tradition Kpassa is supposed to have founded the town. This probably happened towards

507-567: The King of Dahomey's camp at Ardrah, but after having been detained about 14 days, seven of them were released and are now returning hither; they gave a melancholy account of their treatment. This country, which was the pleasantest in all these parts, is now laid waste by fire and sword, and made a wilderness! In 1860, Whydah was the port that sent the last recorded shipment of slaves to the United States , even though that country had prohibited

546-612: The Kingdom of Whydah had become the second largest slave port in the triangular trade , as noted by the crew of the slave ship Whydah Gally when it arrived to purchase 500 slaves from King Haffon to sell in Jamaica . The Kingdom was ruled by King Haffon, who received his coronation crown as a gift from Portugal, until, in 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah was captured by the forces of King Agaja of Dahomey . On 19 March 1727, The Boston News-Letter gave this report: WHYDAH IN AFRICA:

585-626: The Toussaint Louverture Historical Society, Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haitian revolutionary and first Black governor of Saint-Domingue , was a direct descendant of Gaou Guinou , the heir – either son or brother – of the King of Allada killed during the invasion by the Kingdom of Dahomey in 1724. To quote from their sources, "Gaou Guinou, Minister of War and younger brother of the King of Allada, rather than succeeding to his father and ascending naturally to

624-405: The armed boats was to provide cover for Ardra's army as it retreated. In the 18th century, the subordinate dynasty put in place by Dahomey following its conquest of the state, provided infantry and naval support to Dahomey. Primary sources from the 1690s state that Ardra's army moved in companies only during parades as they fought in loose formations on the battlefield. Sieur d'Elbee documented

663-562: The beach, has numerous statues and monuments , including the Door of No Return , a memorial arch . The Market Center of Ouidah, which was established by Scouts more than 20 years ago, trains young people in agricultural skills, thus helping to reverse the exodus towards the cities. Ouidah is often considered the spiritual capital of the Vodun religion , and hosts an annual international Vodun conference. Other landmarks include: This site

702-425: The beginning of this month, Agaja the king of Dahomey came down unexpectedly with an army, and soon became master of this place, and the country adjacent Allada ; the desolation which ensued was so great, that it is impossible to be represented! The factory at Saber, once the king's town and Seat of Trade, was burnt to the ground, and in it a great quantity of merchandise. Forty Europeans were carried into captivity, to

741-624: The capital of Ardra was also fortified in the 1790s with a ditch and a wall which contained loopholes . Special buildings containing loopholes were prominent across the capital. Since the 18th century, the Ardra navy deployed light artillery on its vessels. This innovation was introduced by Antonio Vaz de Coelho, a former African slave from Brazil. According to Thornton, the navy possessed 2 armed boats in an operation against Epe in 1778. The 2 boats were each mounted with 4 brass swivel guns as well as 24 large calibre blunderbusses . The main purpose of

780-402: The city. These records document interactions with the local community, particularly those employed by the fort (both enslaved and free Africans) and those providing various services. William's Fort itself functioned as a commercial centre, relying on local currency and outside suppliers. Historians can use these records, including wages and prices, to trace economic trends within Ouidah. Despite

819-484: The consent of the elders of the people". The state reached the peak of its power in the 16th and early 17th centuries, when it was an important source of slaves for the Atlantic trade . By the mid-15th century, the city of Allada had a population of approximately 30,000 people, while the state as a whole had a population of nearly 200,000 people by the 16th century. The name is variously spelled Ardra , Ardrah , Ardres , Hardre , Arda , Arada , and Arrada . It

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858-558: The end of the sixteenth century. The town was originally known as Glēxwé , literally 'Farmhouse', and was part of the Kingdom of Whydah. Ouidah saw its role in international trade rise when the Royal African Company (RAC) constructed a fort there in 1650. Whydah troops pushed their way into the African interior, capturing millions of people through wars, and selling them to European and Arab slave traders . By 1716,

897-635: The fort as an important slave trading facility. Despite being deserted by the British in 1812, the fort had a surprisingly large populace. The British attempted to reoccupy it with a vice-consulate, but encountered difficulties. Missionaries from the English Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society took up residence for a time and even built a chapel. The fort then returned to the commercial sphere, with various trading companies controlling it. Interestingly, it

936-577: The fort, with the Royal African Company suffering initial setbacks before securing a permanent factory in 1684, with guns often only used for salutes. Built of mud and straw, early fortifications were simple, with cannons probably used for signal purposes rather than combat. Tensions with the French factory culminated in an exchange of fire in 1692, prompting the English to build proper fortifications. Historical documents later describe

975-459: The height of the slave trade (1680s-1710s) before shifting focus. The 1830s saw a switch to palm oil, dominated by French companies. This coincided with Ouidah's decline compared to Cotonou's better port access that French colonial rule consolidated. William's Fort began as a modest English trading post in the late 17th century, named after King William III and initially fortified during his reign (1689–1702). The English presence in Ouidah predates

1014-416: The kingdom, in 1734, Dahomy permitted the existence of a subordinate royalty. In 1894, France re-established the kingdom under its control. In 1904, the kingdom was annexed by France, however it was allowed to continue to exist as a non-sovereign monarchy with its leaders being referred to as " chef supérieur ". The title of "king" was re-established in 1992 upon the coronation of Kpodégbé Togi Djigla , and

1053-475: The non-sovereign monarchy continues to this day. Kpodégbé Toyi Djigla is leader of the High Council of Kings of Benin . The modern non-sovereign kingdom of Ardra also consists of numerous minor kings who, in theory, accept the king of Ardra as their superior. In 1785, Ardra built a ditch along with a clay wall around the state for protection against opponents beyond its borders. Thornton adds that

1092-490: The north, while simultaneously Whydah surpassed Allada as a primary source of slaves from West Africa. This greatly weakened Allada's comparative power in the region. In 1724, Dahomey invaded Allada; in three days, the King of Dahomey's troops slaughtered thousands of Allada's warriors and citizens. More than 8,000 of Allada's population were captured and sold into slavery in the New World. Following Dahomey's subjugation of

1131-673: The protests of the resident British official. These examples demonstrate the deep social and religious integration that existed within the William's Fort community. The population evolution of Ouidah is as follows: Attractions in Ouidah include a restored mansion of Brazilian slavers (the Maison du Brésil), a Vodun python temple, an early twentieth century basilica and the Sacred Forest of Kpasse , dotted with bronze statues. The Route des Esclaves , by which slaves were taken to

1170-510: The rule of the region amongst themselves: Kokpon took the capital city of Great Ardra, reigning over the Allada Kingdom, while his brother Do-Aklin founded Abomey (which would become capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey ) and their brother Te-Agdanlin founded Little Ardra, also known as Ajatche, later called Porto Novo (literally, "New Port") by Portuguese traders (which is the current capital city of Benin). Founded by Aja settlers,

1209-407: The same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Ardra . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ardra&oldid=1163029387 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description

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1248-513: The settlement of Allada was in 1600 the most prominent of Aja states, bordering the nearby Oyo Empire , to which the King of Allada was vassal and tributary. Although it was an inland kingdom, Allada maintained control of some sea ports such as Offra , Jaquin and Whydah , thus making Allada important in the growing slave trade business, which also granted Allada the economic means to pay its duties to Oyo. Between 1640 and 1690, about 125,000 slaves were sold from Allada, peaking at about 55,000 during

1287-601: The throne, chose then to accompany his vanquished soldiers in exile. He was given a hammock on board of a slave ship" that sailed to the island of Hispaniola , where the slaves were sold in Haiti. Names and dates taken from John Stewart's African States and Rulers (1989). 6°39′N 2°09′E  /  6.650°N 2.150°E  / 6.650; 2.150 Ouidah Ouidah (English: / ˈ w iː d ə / ; French: [wi.da] ) or Whydah ( / ˈ hw ɪ d ə , - ɔː / ; Ouidah , Juida , and Juda by

1326-607: The use of spears, shields, swords and muskets by the army during a military parade in 1670. Slaves used to be captured from enemy states and passed on to European slavers bound for the Americas , the route which by repute the father of Toussaint L'Ouverture , the famous general that lead the slave rebellion of the Haitian revolution that lead Jean-Jacques Dessalines to establish the Empire of Haiti , had taken. According to

1365-460: The way the Dahomians treated the tombs of the deceased English governors buried inside the fort. The king of Hueda sent a "fetishman" to make offerings at the grave of one such governor, believing that his spirit was calling his successor to the afterlife. Centuries later, the Dahomian king sent priests to perform rites in the forts, including ceremonies over the graves in the English fort, despite

1404-444: Was done and it was only in 1721 that construction of the fort, which was named Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá , started. The fort, built on land given to Portugal by King Haffon of Whydah, remained under Portuguese control from 1721 until 1961. Ouidah's importance arose from the fact that several European powers (French, Portuguese, English) competed for influence, weakening their overall authority. The British presence peaked at

1443-620: Was even under French control during the First World War. The local area around the fort still reflects its British past with names like "The English Fort" and a shop named after the last British resident. Unlike their counterparts on the Gold Coast, the European forts in Ouidah, including William's Fort, lacked real authority. They couldn't compete militarily with local rulers and deferred to them, first in Hueda and then in Dahomey. This

1482-418: Was particularly weak. The Dahomians saw the European governors as part of their own system, not as independent rulers. This is reflected in the king's expectation of their attendance at feasts and the way they were treated on death, which mirrored Dahomian officials. The European forts in Ouidah, especially William's Fort with its extensive records, offer a unique perspective on the social and economic life of

1521-564: Was very unlike the Gold Coast forts, such as Cape Coast Castle, which eventually evolved into full colonies. At William's Fort, abandoned by the British in 1812, French reconstruction relied on private enterprise rather than government intervention ). The key difference was one of legal authority. European forts, even large ones, weren't sovereign entities in West Africa. They remained under African control, essentially acting as 'tenants' with limited powers, paying rent to local rulers. The European presence in Ouidah, particularly at William's Fort,

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