Bomi County

Bomi County, located in western Liberia, is one of the country’s smallest but historically and economically significant regions. It shares borders with Montserrado, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties and is known for its rich natural resources, especially iron ore and timber. The county’s capital is Tubmanburg, a former mining town.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

Bomi County has long been home to the Gola ethnic group, one of Liberia’s indigenous communities known for their forestry skills, hunting, and resistance to external control.
The Gola people engaged in trade networks that connected them to neighboring tribes and later to European traders.

European Contact and Trade Influence

European traders arrived in the 15th and 16th centuries, engaging in trade with local chiefs for gold, ivory, and timber.
Unlike other regions, Bomi’s dense forests made it less accessible, allowing the Gola people to maintain relative independence from European influence.

Liberian Expansion and the Formation of Bomi County (1983)

Before 1983, Bomi was part of Montserrado County, but it was later separated due to its economic significance and growing population.
The name “Bomi” is derived from the Gola word for "light" or "enlightenment."
Tubmanburg, named after President William V.S. Tubman, became the county capital.

Economic Boom: Iron Ore Mining (1940s-1980s)

Bomi became one of Liberia’s largest iron ore mining regions, attracting foreign investment.
The Liberia Mining Company (LMC), founded by American entrepreneur Lansdell K. Christie in the 1940s, led large-scale iron ore extraction.
Tubmanburg grew rapidly as a mining town, bringing employment, infrastructure, and foreign trade.

Impact of the Liberian Civil Wars (1989-2003)

Bomi County was heavily affected by both Liberian Civil Wars, as it became a battleground for rebel forces.
Iron ore mining ceased, and many residents were displaced or fled to Sierra Leone and Monrovia.
Infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare centers, was destroyed.

Post-War Recovery and Present-Day Bomi

Since 2003, efforts have been made to revive mining, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Rubber and timber industries are growing, with potential for renewed iron ore mining.
Tourism is emerging, with attractions like Blue Lake (a former mining site filled with water) and the region’s scenic forests.
Road connectivity to Monrovia has improved, supporting trade and economic recovery.