River Gee County

River Gee County, located in southeastern Liberia, was established in 2000 as one of Liberia’s newest counties. It was carved out of Grand Gedeh County to improve governance and local administration. The county shares borders with Grand Gedeh County, Sinoe County, and Maryland County, as well as Côte d'Ivoire to the east.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

River Gee has long been inhabited by the Grebo ethnic group, who are known for their warrior traditions, political organization, and resistance to foreign rule.
The Grebo people were historically involved in farming, fishing, and trade, interacting with neighboring ethnic groups in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire.
The region was part of West Africa’s coastal trade networks, dealing in palm oil, kola nuts, and ironworking.

European Contact and Americo-Liberian Influence

Portuguese and British traders arrived in the 15th and 16th centuries, engaging in trade with the local Grebo people.
The Grebo resisted the transatlantic slave trade, often helping enslaved people escape from European ships.
In the 19th century, the Americo-Liberian government sought to expand its control over the southeast, leading to tensions with the Grebo people, who resisted their rule.
Christian missionaries introduced Western education and Christianity, though many traditional beliefs remained strong.

Creation of River Gee County (2000)

Before 2000, River Gee was part of Grand Gedeh County but was separated to improve administration and bring government services closer to the people.
Fish Town was designated as the county’s capital and administrative center.

Impact of Liberia’s Civil Wars (1989-2003)

During the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, River Gee was affected by violence and displacement.
Many Grebo people fled to neighboring Côte d'Ivoire to escape the conflict.
The war disrupted local trade, agriculture, and infrastructure, leaving the region underdeveloped.

Post-War Recovery and Present-Day River Gee

Since the war ended in 2003, River Gee has been working on rebuilding schools, hospitals, and roads, though development remains slow.
The county is rich in forestry, gold, and agricultural resources, but poor infrastructure limits economic growth.
Cross-border trade with Côte d'Ivoire plays an important role in the local economy.