Kunta Kinte Island, formerly James Island, The Gambia - Stockfoto

James island is situated about 30kms from the mouth of the Gambia River and was renamed Kunta Kinteh Island in 2011. It is less than two miles from Albreda on the river's northern bank. As an important historical site in the West African slave trade, it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with related sites including Albreda, Juffureh and Fort Bullen. The fort was built in the 17th century and are in ruins now. Kunta Kinte, a character described in Alex Haley's book and TV series Roots, has become associated with James Island. He was one of 98 slaves that were brought from Africa to Maryland in 1767.