Visits to places like James Island are always very depressing, but you have to do it because they show the dark side of our nature. Strategically situated on the Gambia River, this island served as a reloading point for slave companies throughout the 18th century. Currently, only ruins remain of the former fort (Unesco listed), and the island itself is gradually collapsing and may disappear under the waters of the Gambia within half a century.