The written history of Sierra Leone began in 1462, when the Portuguese explorer Pedro da Cintra landed and named the country.

Europeans used the land as a source for slaves, but in 1787 Freetown was established as a haven for former slaves who had been living in London.

In 1808, Sierra Leone became a British Crown Colony, which it remained until halfway through the 20th century, when the process of de-colonization was commenced.

This culminated in independence on April 27, 1961. Sir Milton Margai (1895-1964) was the first prime minister.