Montserrado: History and Coast

Providence Island: History in Montserrado

Providence Island gives Montserrado a clear historical focus. On January 1, 1822, the island was one of the first places where freed enslaved people from America landed; it is considered their first point of arrival.

Features of the island include a cement pillar, a concrete floor considered likely to be the country’s first concrete work, an old water well, and an old landing place for canoes and ships. UNESCO includes Providence Island on its Tentative List; the island is not inscribed as a World Heritage Site. You should arrange visits with a guide in advance. Confirm the current arrangements before your visit.

Monrovia and Montserrado’s Coastal Setting

Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is in Montserrado County and borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mesurado River. This gives the capital a geographic reference point for the county: the Atlantic and the river are part of its described setting. Both the capital and the coastal and river setting can help you orient yourself in Montserrado.

Tropicana Beach is one of the beaches in Montserrado County. The beach complements the historical focus on Providence Island with a coastal element. If you are considering Montserrado as a destination for a hotel stay, you can weigh whether history or a beach theme better suits your travel interests.

Liberia in the Broader Travel Picture

In the broader destination of Liberia, the National Museum of Liberia opened in 1958. The country’s traditional art forms include wood carving, basket weaving, pottery, mask making, and fabric dyeing. The museum offers a specific historical reference point; the art forms represent a broader range of traditional forms of expression. Together, they offer different cultural perspectives on Liberia.

Liberia’s natural attractions also offer different perspectives. East Nimba Nature Reserve was established in 2003. More than seven primate species are protected in Sapo National Park, including Diana monkeys, Upper Guinea red colobus monkeys, and western chimpanzees. The park is also home to 200 bird species, including white-breasted guineafowl and white-necked rockfowl. East Nimba stands out for its history, while Sapo stands out for the diversity of its named primates and birds.

Activities in the broader destination of Liberia include guided hikes, river trips, and cooking classes. Guided rainforest hikes are offered daily for day visitors and guests of Kpatawee Waterfall Ecolodge; confirm current operating details before your trip. Visitors can travel farther into Sapo National Park on a raft on the Sinoe River; check availability locally. In a traditional Liberian cooking class, participants can learn to prepare palm butter soup, jollof rice, or pepper soup. Ask in advance about available classes. The cooking class focuses on cuisine, while the hike and raft trip describe different nature experiences.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Greater Monrovia, Wamba Town, Grand Bassa County, Margibi.

Back to the broader travel overview: Liberia.