| About Maryland County - Liberia
The County’s origins date back to 12 February, 1834, when the “Colony of Maryland in Africa” was founded by the Maryland State Colonization Society in the United States of America as a homeland for freed American slaves. It later gained independence and became the “State of Maryland in Africa” on 29 May 1854. However, three years later, Maryland was annexed to the Republic of Liberia. The port city of Harper, previously known as Cape Palmas, is the capital of the County and is named after US Congressman Robert Goodloe Harper who assisted the Maryland State Colonization Society to facilitate the return of freed slaves to Liberia.
Significant Dates in Maryland County's history
February 12, 1834 - Establishment of Maryland-in-Africa - a colony of the Maryland State Colonization Society.
February 2, 1841 - Establishment of The State of Maryland-in-Liberia
May 29, 1854 - Independent State of Maryland in Liberia
March 18, 1857 - Incorporation into the Republic of Liberia as Maryland County
The longest serving president in Liberia’s history, William V.S. Tubman, and the first indigenous Vice President of Liberia, Henry Too Wesley, were born in Maryland County.
The main ethnic group in the county is Grebo, also found in neighboring River Gee County, eastern Grand Kru and south-eastern Sinoe Counties. Since UNMIL’s (The United Nations Mission in Liberia) deployment of peacekeeping contingents, Military Observers and UN Police in July 2004. Maryland County has remained relatively calm. The peacekeepers vigilantly monitor the border along neighboring Côte d ’Ivoire. Local security personnel from the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization as well as Customs and Internal Revenue officials are deployed at strategic border crossing points.
The only medical facility in the County is the J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital in Harper City. There are clinics in all 4 districts housed in sub-standard facilities and without electricity.
The lack of transportation, communication and adequate office space are major handicaps to smooth operations in the county. The Liberia National Police has officers deployed throughout Maryland, and there are eight Magistrate Courts in the County.
Peoples of Maryland
GREBO, BARCLAYVILLE (WEDEBO GREBO). Southeast coast and inland (Grand Gedeh), between Klaoh and Jabo Grebo. Languages: WEDEBO, KPLEBO. Liberian Languages are quite distinct. There are strong ethnocentric attitudes between subgroups. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, E JE (EH JE). Southeast, Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties near the Côte d'Ivoire border, south of Krahn, north of Klao and Fopo-Bua Grebo, west of Glaro. Liberian Languages: CHEDEPO, E JE, PALIPO, GBEPO (GBEAPO), JEDEPO, TIENPO, KLEPO. Languages are quite distinct. Ethnocentric attitudes are strong between different subgroups. Christian and Traditional religion. Bible portions 1838-1987.
DECENDANTS OF SETTLERS. Maryland County, especially near the seaside. Liberian Languages: Liberian English and local Maryland Languages. Christian.
GREBO, FOPO-BUA. Southeast, east of Klaoh, north of Barclayville Grebo, west of Gboloo Grebo, south of E Je Grebo. Kru Coast County. Liberian Languagess: FOPO, BUA, GBOAO. A dialect cluster. Languages are quite distinct. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, GBOLOO (GBOLOO, GBLOU GREBO). Grand Gedeh County, Maryland County, eastern border, north of Jabo Grebo. Liberian Languages: GEDEROBO, NYANOUN, TUOBO, BIABO, DEDIEBO. Accessible by road or foot. Tropical forest. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, GLEBO. Eastern Province, Maryland County, southeastern coast. Liberian Language: Grebo. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, GLOBO. Eastern border, Liberian Languages: GLOBO, NYENEBO, DOROBO, BOROBO, TREMBO. Distinct from Gboloo. Languages may be quite distinct. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, JABO. Grand Gedeh County. Southeast corner, west and north of Seaside Grebo. Liberian Languages: JABO, NYABO, WRELPO. A language cluster. Languages are quite distinct. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, NORTHEASTERN (NITIABO GREBO). Grand Gedeh County, eastern border, north of Gboloo Grebo. Liberian Languages: NITIABO, SABO, TUOBO, KETIEPO, WEBO. A language cluster. Languages are quite distinct. Webo and Ketiepo may be closer to Côte d'Ivoire languages. Christian and Traditional religion.
GREBO, SEASIDE. Grand Gedeh County and Maryland County. Southeast corner along the coast and inland, west and north of Glebo. Christian and Traditional religion. |
