Timeline: Liberia | Timetoast

Jan 1, 1816

Formation of the American Colonization Society

Henry Clay, a founder of the ACS, said, "unconquerable prejudice resulting from their color, they never could amalgamate with the free whites of this country. It was desirable, therefore, as it respected them, and the residue of the population of the country, to drain them off."
Jan 1, 1822

First Freed American Slaves settle in Liberia
Period: Jan 1, 1822 to Jul 25, 1847

The ACS governed the colony that would become Liberia
Period: Jan 1, 1822 to Jan 1, 1864

Approximately 15,000 freed American slaves had settled in Liberia
Jul 26, 1847

The Republic of Liberia declared its independence from the US.
Jan 3, 1848

Joseph Jenkins "J.J." Roberts becomes Liberia's first President
Period: Jan 7, 1878 to Apr 12, 1980

The True Whig Party controls Liberia's government

Upon the collapse of the Republican party the True Whip Party governed Liberia until the assination of William R. Tolbert Jr.
Period: Jan 1, 1925 to Jan 1, 1969

886 Liberians immigrated to the United States
Period: Jan 1, 1970 to Jan 1, 1979

2,081 Liberians immigrated to the United States
Period: Jul 23, 1971 to Apr 12, 1980

Presidency of William R. Tolbert Jr.

He was killed in his sleep during a coup d'etat led by Sergent Samuel Doe
Apr 12, 1980

The murder of President Tolbert
Period: Apr 12, 1980 to Sep 9, 1990

The Rule of Samuel Doe
Jan 1, 1989

1,175 Liberians immigrated to the United States
Period: Jan 1, 1989 to Jan 1, 1996

First Liberian Civil War
Jan 1, 1990

2,004 Liberians immigrated to the United States
Period: Jan 1, 1990 to Jan 1, 1997

13,458 Liberians immigrate to the United States
Sep 9, 1990

Doe is killed by Prince Johnson's INPFL
Aug 2, 1997

Charles Taylor is elected President
Period: Aug 2, 1997 to Aug 11, 2003

Presidency of Charles Taylor
Period: Jan 1, 1999 to Aug 10, 2003

Second Liberian Civil War
Jan 16, 2006

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is elected President