Makeni grew as a business center, with traders coming in using different roots. History has it that the actual settles of Makeni are traders from” Futa Jollon”known today as Guinea; who were passing through and doing business and ended up settling in Makeni. Makeni is a home to rich cultures, hospitable people and beautiful and a mind blowing place to visit. Makeni is known and pride itself in Gara tie-dyeing, which most local women engaged in. In the heart of the city is the ;Makeni Cotton Tree which is a symbol of unity and strength for the Temne People. The cotton tree was a meeting place for Temne chiefs and spiritual leaders for centuries. It is said that during the era of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the tree was used as a site for slave auctions