Acquisition of Cape Mesurado

In December 1821, the American Colonization Society (ACS) made a pivotal acquisition of Cape Mesurado, a 36-mile-long strip of land located near what is now Monrovia, Liberia. This acquisition was made from the indigenous ruler, King Peter, and it is believed that the transaction may have involved some level of coercion. The primary objective of the ACS was to establish a settlement for free blacks who were being relocated from the United States to Africa, aiming to create a new home for those seeking freedom and opportunity. However, the acquisition was met with resistance from the indigenous populations, who viewed the colonists as intruders on their ancestral lands. The tensions that arose from this initial settlement laid the groundwork for ongoing conflicts between the settlers and the indigenous peoples, highlighting the complexities and challenges of colonization efforts during this period. The establishment of this settlement marked a significant moment in the history of Liberia, as it set the stage for the eventual founding of the country and the struggles that would ensue in the years to come.