Cape Mont County

Cape Mount County, officially known as Grand Cape Mount County, is located in western Liberia along the Atlantic Ocean. It shares borders with Gbarpolu County, Bomi County, and Sierra Leone. The county is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, including Lake Piso, one of Liberia’s largest lakes

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

Grand Cape Mount has long been inhabited by the Vai people, one of Liberia’s indigenous ethnic groups.
The Vai are known for developing their own writing system (Vai script) in the 1830s, making them one of the few African groups with an indigenous written language.
Historically, the region was part of West African trade networks, dealing in gold, kola nuts, and salt with neighboring ethnic groups and European traders.
The area was also home to Islamic scholars, as Islam spread through trade routes connecting Liberia to Sierra Leone and Guinea.

European Contact and Americo-Liberian Settlement

Portuguese explorers visited the region in the 15th century, naming it Cabo do Monte (Cape Mount) due to its high coastal cliffs.
European traders, including the Dutch and British, engaged in commerce along the coast, trading goods with the Vai people.
In the early 19th century, Americo-Liberian settlers expanded into Cape Mount, bringing Western-style governance and Christianity.

Incorporation into Liberia (19th - Early 20th Century)

In the late 1800s, the Liberian government established control over Cape Mount as part of its expansion inland.
The region officially became Grand Cape Mount County in 1856, making it one of Liberia’s oldest counties.
Robertsport, named after Liberia’s first president Joseph Jenkins Roberts, was founded as the county capital and became an important center for trade and administration.
Despite Americo-Liberian control, Islam remained strong among the Vai people, distinguishing Cape Mount from many other parts of Liberia where Christianity dominated.

Economic and Social Development (20th Century)

Cape Mount became known for its fishing, agriculture (rice, cassava, palm oil), and mining industries.
The county also had a history of gold mining, with many local and foreign companies involved in extraction.
Lake Piso, one of Liberia’s largest lagoons, became a major source of fish and an important part of the local economy.

Impact of the Liberian Civil Wars (1989-2003)

During the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, Cape Mount suffered significant destruction and displacement.
The county’s location near the Sierra Leonean border made it a key battleground, with many people fleeing to Sierra Leone as refugees.
Rebel groups frequently moved through the area, leading to insecurity and economic collapse.

Post-War Reconstruction and Present-Day Cape Mount

Since the end of the war in 2003, Cape Mount has been working toward rebuilding its infrastructure, economy, and governance.
The county is rich in natural resources, particularly gold, attracting mining companies and small-scale miners.
Tourism potential has grown, with Lake Piso and Cape Mount’s beaches being promoted as tourist destinations.
Cross-border trade with Sierra Leone continues to play an important role in the local economy.