Banjul, the smallest capital city in Africa, stands on St Mary's Island on the banks of the River Gambia. It was founded by the British in 1816 as a trading post and base for suppressing the slave trade. As the main urban area of the Gambia, most of the administrative and economic facilites are based here. The centre is well worth a visit, it has many old British colonial buildings, colourful street markets and craft stalls, including Albert Market a typical vibrant west African market where the choice of goods on sale is amazing. Boat excursions run to Albreda, of 'Roots' fame, home of slave houses and a slave trading station on James Island. Cape Point is situated just west of Banjul city centre.