Bong County

Bong County, located in central Liberia, is one of the country’s most important regions due to its agriculture, mining, and historical significance. It shares borders with Margibi, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Lofa, and Gbarpolu Counties, as well as Guinea to the north. Bong is Liberia’s third-largest county by population and plays a major role in the nation’s economy and politics.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

The region has long been inhabited by the Kpelle ethnic group, Liberia’s largest ethnic group.
The Kpelle people are known for their agricultural skills, ironworking, and strong communal leadership structures.
Traditional governance was led by chiefs and elders, with decision-making based on consensus.
Before the arrival of settlers, Bong was part of regional trade networks connecting Guinea and other parts of Liberia.

Colonial and Early Republic Period (19th - Early 20th Century)

During the expansion of Americo-Liberian rule, the central government sought to bring Bong under its control.
The Kpelle people resisted early efforts by the Americo-Liberians but were gradually integrated into the national system through taxation and local governance structures.
Missionary activities introduced Western education and Christianity, but many indigenous customs remained strong.
By the early 20th century, Bong became an important region for rice farming, palm oil production, and ironworking.

Formation of Bong County (1964)

Before 1964, the area was part of Central Province.
Under President William V.S. Tubman, Liberia’s administrative structure was reorganized, and Bong County was officially created.
Gbarnga was chosen as the county capital and became a key educational and political center.

Economic Boom: Agriculture and Mining (1960s - 1980s)

Bong became one of Liberia’s most productive agricultural regions, with large-scale farming of rice, cassava, cocoa, and coffee.
The discovery of iron ore deposits led to the establishment of the Bong Mining Company (BMC) in the 1960s.
BMC, run by a German company, created employment opportunities and built infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals.
Gbarnga became a major economic hub, attracting people from different parts of Liberia.

Civil War and Its Impact (1989 - 2003)

During the First Liberian Civil War (1989-1997), Bong County became a stronghold of Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL).
Taylor used Gbarnga as his rebel headquarters, controlling much of Liberia from Bong County.
The war devastated Bong’s economy, leading to the collapse of Bong Mining Company and destruction of infrastructure.
During the Second Liberian Civil War (1999-2003), Bong remained a battleground between different warring factions.

Post-War Reconstruction and Present-Day Bong

Since the war ended in 2003, Bong County has focused on rebuilding its economy, education system, and infrastructure.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with many farmers engaged in subsistence and commercial farming.
Mining has resumed, with companies exploring gold and iron ore deposits.
Cuttington University, one of Liberia’s oldest higher education institutions, is located in Bong and continues to be an academic hub.
Gbarnga has developed into a political, educational, and economic center in central Liberia.