Map of the Colony of Liberia, with the Plan of the Town of Monrovia

The American Colonization Society believed that slavery was morally wrong, but instantaneous emancipation was a “danger and detriment” to the public and the slaves. They also believed that “free people of colour” faced inescapable oppression in America. Liberia was founded to solve these problems. Along with abolitionists, the Society’s members included prominent slaveholders, including James Monroe. This booklet was made to share the virtues and successes of the Society. It includes testimonials from James Madison and Chief Justice John Marshall, along with a plan for the town of Monrovia, named in honor of Monroe.