Page "History of Sierra Leone" Paragraph 6

Portuguese ships began visiting regularly in the late 15th century, and for a while they maintained a fort on the north shore of the Freetown estuary.

The estuary is one of the few good harbours on West Africa's surf-pounded " Windward Shore " ( Liberia to Senegal ), and also has a good watering spot ; it soon became a favourite destination of European mariners.

Some of the Portuguese stayed permanently, trading and intermarrying with the local people.