Monrovia: the capital founded by freed American slaves

The only world capital bearing an American president's name, Monrovia was founded by liberated African-American slaves in the nineteenth century.

The center, founded by freed American slaves, is comfortably explored on foot near the port.

The National Museum of Liberia, housed in a former government building, recounts the nation's founding by American freed slaves in 1822, with original documents and memorabilia.

Steps away, the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, reflects the American religious heritage brought by the freed colonists who founded Liberia in the nineteenth century.

Heading along the coast, you reach Providence Island, the small island where the first American-freed colonists landed in 1822.

Toward evening, Monrovia's beaches along the Atlantic offer a tranquil sunset before dinner.

Monrovia takes its name from U.S. President James Monroe, who financially supported the creation of a colony for freed American slaves—the only world capital honouring a foreign president not of its own nation.

Providence Island, where the first colonists landed in 1822, remains essential to understanding Liberia's origins as Africa's first independent modern republic, proclaimed in 1847 after decades of colonial administration.