Bassa County

Grand Bassa County, one of Liberia’s oldest and most historically significant regions, is located along the central coast of Liberia. It shares borders with Margibi, Bong, River Cess, and Sinoe Counties, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The county's capital is Buchanan, Liberia’s second-largest port city.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

Grand Bassa has been home to the Bassa ethnic group, one of Liberia’s largest indigenous communities.
The Bassa people are known for their oral traditions, farming, and craftsmanship, particularly in wood carving and weaving.
Before European contact, the region was part of West African trade networks, exchanging goods like salt, rice, kola nuts, and iron tools with neighboring groups.
The Bassa script, a unique writing system developed in the 19th century, is one of the few indigenous African scripts.

European Contact and the Slave Trade

Portuguese explorers arrived in the 15th century, naming the area due to its prominent coastal location.
The British and Dutch later established trading posts, dealing in gold, palm oil, and slaves.
The transatlantic slave trade significantly affected the region, with many Bassa people being taken captive and sold to European traders.
Some Bassa warriors and leaders resisted the slave trade, fighting against European involvement.

Americo-Liberian Settlement and Incorporation into Liberia (19th Century)

In 1832, freed African Americans from the U.S., supported by the American Colonization Society (ACS), settled in the region.
The town of Edina was established in 1832, and Buchanan was founded in 1835, named after Thomas Buchanan, the first governor of Liberia.
Grand Bassa became part of the Republic of Liberia in 1847, when Liberia declared its independence.
The Americo-Liberians brought Western governance, education, and Christianity, which sometimes clashed with indigenous traditions.

Economic Growth and Industrial Development (20th Century)

Buchanan became a major export hub for rubber, iron ore, and timber, attracting foreign investments.
The Liberia-American-Swedish Minerals Company (LAMCO) built a railway from Nimba County to Buchanan, making the port a major shipping center for iron ore.
Agriculture, including rubber plantations and palm oil production, played a key role in the local economy.
Despite economic growth, social divisions persisted between indigenous Bassa people and Americo-Liberian elites.

Impact of the Liberian Civil Wars (1989-2003)

During the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars, Grand Bassa suffered from violence, destruction, and displacement.
Many residents fled to Monrovia or neighboring countries as rebels occupied the area.
The civil war devastated industries, infrastructure, and social services, leading to economic decline.

Post-War Recovery and Present-Day Grand Bassa

Since the war ended in 2003, Grand Bassa has focused on rebuilding schools, hospitals, roads, and industries.
The Buchanan Port remains one of Liberia’s most important economic assets, facilitating trade and exports.
Mining and agriculture continue to be key industries, with companies investing in gold, rubber, and palm oil production.
The county also has growing tourism potential, with historical sites and coastal attractions drawing visitors.