Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division [LC-USZ6-1945 DLC]

Augustus McCarty

Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809 - 1876) was born free in Norfolk, Virginia. He began his career as a trader, and immigrated to Liberia in 1829. After four years, he became the lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth, and later the first black governor of Liberia. When the country gained independence in 1847, he became its first president. He achieved international recognition for acquiring sufficient funds to purchase land west of Cape Mount in order to prevent slavery within the nation. In 1856, he left public office and devoted his talents and energies to establishing and administering Liberia College. By the 1860s, many European countries had recognized Liberia as the first republic in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1862, during the tenure of Abraham Lincoln, the United States recognized Liberia as an independent nation. Roberts reclaimed the presidency in 1872 and served until his death in 1876.