Constructed in 1818 under Charles MacCarthy's governorate, MacCarthy built the first brick construction in the country starting with the Government Wharf.

These steps are one of only a few constructions still standing from that period and connected the wharf to the city. They were climbed by the newcomers, freed enslaved peoples, the Maroon from Jamaica, and Black American soldiers who fought against the 13 rebel colonies of America. 

These stairs sometimes are wrongly called "Portuguese Steps" because of their ancient look. They are also known as the "Freetown Steps."