Careysburg, Liberia
Careysburg | |
|---|---|
City | |
  Careysburg Location in Liberia | |
| Coordinates: 6°24′12″N 10°32′55″W / 6.40333°N 10.54861°W | |
| Country |  Liberia |
| County | Montserrado County |
| District | Careysburg |
| Established | 1856 |
| Incorporated | 1923 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Edwin M. Urey |
| Elevation | 105 m (344 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (GMT) |
Careysburg is a city in Montserrado County, Liberia. It was founded in 1856,[1] and is named in honor of Rev. Lott Cary,[1][2] the first American Baptist missionary to Africa and a key figure in the founding of the Colony of Liberia. It is located 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Monrovia.[3]
It was incorporated as a city in 1923 by an act of the Liberian legislature.[1]
Rubber and coffee farming are the major economic activities in the area.[2] It was also the site of a large Voice of America transmitter.[3]
History
[edit]About nine years after Liberia declared its independence on 1847, the Liberian legislature passed an Act authorizing Rev. John Seys, as an agent of the American Colonization Society to travel within the country for the purpose of locating an elevated region to establish a settlement to ensure better health conditions for Americo-Liberian settlers.[4] It was further resolved by the Liberian legislature, per Section 12 of said Act: "That the settlement to be founded in the Queh Country shall be named Careysburg, in honor of the late Rev. Lott Carey, and that all other settlements shall be named according to the pleasure of the Legislature".[4] The site that became Careysburg was selected for its abundance of fresh water, potential for agriculture, its cool temperature, absence of deadly mosquitoes, and scenic view.[4] At the time, the people living in the surrounding area were of the Kpelle, Gola, and Queh ethnic groups, and Rev. Seys negotiated with local chiefs to purchase land.[4]
In 1856, Careysburg was settled by North American freed slaves, mainly from the United States and Barbados.[2][4] However, some Africans recaptured from ships at sea, destined for illicit sale as slaves in Europe and America, were also settled in Careysburg.[4]
Government
[edit]In 2009, businessman and later presidential candidate Benoni Urey was appointed acting mayor of Careysburg and subsequently elected mayor by the City Council.[5] As of 2024, the mayor of Careysburg is Edwin M. Urey, appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.[6]
The Careysburg City Corporation serves as the municipal authority responsible for local administration and service delivery. The corporation has undertaken infrastructure projects, including the development of market facilities and transport terminals.[7]
Economy and development
[edit]Careysburg has experienced increased land development in recent years, resulting in disputes over property ownership and estate boundaries. A high-profile case involving competing claims between Kargboyah Estate and the Urey family highlights challenges related to land tenure, urban expansion, and property record systems. In response, local authorities have proposed mandatory property registration to formalize ownership and reduce disputes.[8][9]
The local economy includes a small but growing hospitality sector, with guesthouses, farms, and resort-style accommodations operating in and around Careysburg.[10]
Infrastructure and military presence
[edit]Careysburg is home to Camp Sandee Ware, a military installation used by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for training and operational activities. The camp has hosted field training exercises and leadership development programs for AFL personnel, including non-commissioned officer training initiatives conducted in partnership with international partners.[11][12]
The restructuring of the Armed Forces of Liberia formed part of broader post-war security sector reforms following the end of the Liberian Civil War in 2003, during which the military had previously been implicated in widespread abuses.[13] The camp continues to be used for training as part of post-war reforms of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Careysburg Association of North, America, "Careysburg Celebrates 150 Years" Archived September 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Britannica Online Encyclopedia, "Careyburg"
- ^ a b Kenneth B. Noble, "Liberia Talks In Lull, Rebels Take Town", New York Times, June 23, 1990
- ^ a b c d e f Careysburg Association of North America, "History of Careysburg" Archived September 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Pailey, Robtel Neajai; Harris, David (2017). "Liberia's run-up to 2017: continuity and change in a long history of electoral politics". Review of African Political Economy. 44 (152): 322–335. doi:10.1080/03056244.2017.1318361. hdl:10454/13102.
- ^ "President Boakai Makes Additional Nominations in Government". Executive Mansion, Republic of Liberia. 2024. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "Careysburg City Corporation dedicates modern motorbike terminal and market cubicle". Liberian Investigator. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "Kargboyah Estate rejects Urey land claim". Liberian Investigator. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "Careysburg mayor proposes mandatory property registration". LINA. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "Stays in Careysburg". Enjoy Liberia. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "Michigan National Guard applauds historic Liberian NCO Academy pilot course". DVIDS. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ "U.S. Army Africa inspector general soldiers travel to Liberia". U.S. Army. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ^ McFate, Sean (2013). Building Better Armies: An Insider’s Account of Liberia. U.S. Army War College Press. p. 1. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
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