On February 20, 1824 some historic decisions were taken in Washington DC, USA. The American Colonization Society, created in 1816, held it's 7th annual meeting chaired by Bushrod Washington (nephew of President George Washington). The meeting decided to name the Colony "Liberia" upon the proposal of the American General Robert Goodloe Harper. The main settlement was named "Monrovia" in honour of the 5th President of the USA, James Monroe (1817-1825). At that time the settlement numbered approximately 100 persons.

The Niles' Weekly Register's 14-lines report on the ACS meeting appeared on it's back page.


Map of the settlement "Monrovia" in 1825
                                                                                                     

© fpm van der kraaij

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       


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page 16 of the Niles' Weekly Register - March 6, 1824