First discovered in the fifteenth century by Portuguese seamen, the litle volcanic island of Gorée, just off the
African coast, gained historical significance as an important and well-fortified trading post much desired by all the colonial powers. Gorée reached its zenith under French rule in the eighteenth century as a result of the slave trade. With the end of the slave trade and the granting of free trade rights to al1 the citizens of Gorée, a new period of prosperity began for 'Happy Gorée' (known in French as 'Gorée la joyeuse'). This came to an end only wilh the opening of the Suez Canal and the rise of Dakar.