The contemporary reader probably best remembers the State of Bonny for the 1967 capturing of Nigeria's main oil port terminal from the secessionists by Federal Government forces - a local victory against military and economic blockades. This work is largely the result of the reinterpretaion of oral tradition and nineteenth century manuscripts in the light of recent research. In bringing together records of nineteenth century diplomatic relations of Bonny with foreign and neighbouring states, the study traces the significance of Bonny from the first Portuguese settlers and the Atlantic slave trade to the increasing British dominance in the nineteenth century, the rudiments and role of the European trading community in the twentieth century and independent Nigeria.