Gbarpolu County

Gbarpolu County is one of Liberia’s youngest counties, officially established in 2001. It was carved out of Lofa County to improve governance and local administration in the region. The county is located in northwestern Liberia, bordering Bomi, Bong, and Lofa Counties, as well as Sierra Leone to the west.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

The region that is now Gbarpolu was historically inhabited by the Gola and Lorma ethnic groups, who were skilled in farming, hunting, and ironworking.
The Gola people were known for their resistance against the expansion of the Americo-Liberian settlers in the 19th century.
The land was heavily forested and rich in natural resources, making it an important area for traditional agriculture and trade.

Colonial and Republic Era (19th-20th Century)

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region was under the administration of Lofa County and was largely rural, with limited government presence.
The local communities maintained their traditional governance systems, but Liberia’s central government exerted increasing control over the area.
The introduction of Christianity and Western education by missionaries led to gradual cultural changes.

Gbarpolu Becomes a County (2001)

Before 2001, Gbarpolu was part of Lofa County and was referred to as the "Lower Lofa Region."
In 2001, President Charles Taylor declared it an independent county to decentralize governance and provide better services to the local population.
The county was named Gbarpolu, a combination of "Gbarma" and "Bopolu," two of its major districts.

Civil War and Its Impact (1989-2003)

During Liberia’s civil wars (1989-2003), Gbarpolu suffered from destruction, displacement, and instability.
Rebel groups frequently operated in the region, leading to severe humanitarian crises.
Many residents fled to neighboring Sierra Leone and other parts of Liberia.

Post-War Development and Present Day

Since the end of the war, Gbarpolu has been recovering, with efforts focused on agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development.
The county is rich in gold and diamond deposits, attracting small-scale mining activities.
Bopolu, the capital of Gbarpolu, has historical significance as the former seat of the powerful King Sao Boso, a Gola leader who engaged in trade with early Liberian settlers.