History of Monrovia

Published on 15th August 2006

Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia. It lies on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mesurado River. Monrovia is Liberia's largest city and it is the administrative, commercial, communication, and financial center. The city is a major port and is almost completely surrounded by the St. Paul River. It is located at 6°19′N 10°48′W.

By the time the city was named Cape Mesurado in the 1560s, the area was already inhabited by Portuguese sailors. The first settlers from the United States under the auspices of the American Colonization Society arrived in Africa in 1821. They landed at Sherbro Island. The landing was not very successful as many settlers died. In 1822, a second ship rescued the settlers and took them to Cape Mesurado, establishing the settlement of Christopolis.

In 1822 Monrovia was founded by the American Colonization Society as a haven for freed slaves from the United States and the British West Indies and it was named James Monroe, the president of the United States back then. It is the only foreign capital city named after a U.S. President. In 1845, Monrovia was the site of the constitutional convention held by the American Colonization Society.

The city's economy revolves around its harbor, which was substantially improved by U.S. forces under lend-lease during World War II. In 1948 the first port capable of handling oceangoing vessels was opened; there are now several ports, including a free port.

In 1979, the Organization of African Unity held their conference in Monrovia, with then president William R. Tolbert as chairman. During his term, Tolbert improved public housing in Monrovia and decreased by 50% the tuition fees at the University of Liberia. A military coup led by Samuel Doe ousted the Tolbert government in 1980, with many members being executed.

Life in Monrovia was severely disrupted by civil war, which left thousands homeless and the city's economy in ruins. Major battles occurred between Samuel Doe's government and Prince Johnson's forces in 1990 and with the National Patriotic Front of Liberia’s (NPFL's) assault on the city in 1992. A legacy of the war is a large population of homeless children and youths, either having been involved in the fighting or denied education by it.

The main exports are latex and iron ore. The city also has extensive storage and ship repair facilities. Manufactures include cement, refined petroleum, food products, bricks and tiles, furniture, and pharmaceuticals. Roads and railroads and an airport, connect Monrovia with Liberia's interior. The University of Liberia, Cuttington College and Divinity School are in the city.

Monrovia has several attractions such as Liberian National Museum, the Waterside Market, cultural centre on Providence Island and several beaches. It is also home to a zoo.  

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monrovia
reference.allrefer.com/encyclopedia/M/MonrovLib.html


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