Liberia, as a nation, had its beginnings in 1821 when groups of free blacks from the United States emigrated from the U.S. and began establishing colonies on the coast under the direction of the American Colonization Society. Between 1821 and 1847, by a combination of purchase and conquest, American Societies developed the colonies under the name "Liberia", dominating the native inhabitants of the area. In 1847 the colony declared itself an independent nation. Because it was already established as a nation, Liberia avoided becoming a European colony during the great age of European colonies in Africa during the latter half of the 19th century.
The United States recognized Liberia as an independent state in 1862 and commissioned its first representative to Liberia in 1863. The representative, Abraham Hanson, was appointed commissioner/consul general. The status of the commissioner was later upgraded to Minister, and finally to full ambassador in 1949. Relations between the United States and Liberia have been continuous since that time.
Eight U.S. ambassadors have died at their post serving in Liberia.
The U.S. embassy in Liberia is located in Monrovia.
From 1992–1999 the following officers served as chargés d’affaires ad interim: William H. Twaddell (September 1992 – July 1995), William B. Milam (November 1995 – January 1999), and Donald K. Petterson (February 1999 – August 1999).
^Hanson was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 12, 1864.
^Seys was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on February 21, 1867.
^Garnet was commissioned during a recess of the Senate. His date of commissioning is not recorded. The commission was enclosed with an instruction of July 19, 1881. He was recommissioned after confirmation on October 26, 1881.
^Hopkins was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 13, 1886.
^Taylor was commissioned during a recess of the Senate. [Apparently not recommissioned.]
^Curtis was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on December 17, 1915.
^Francis was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on December 17, 1927.
^Mitchel was commissioned as Minister Resident/Consul General on September 10, 1930, and recommissioned after confirmation on December 16, 1930.
^Dudley was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on March 2, 1949.
^Brown was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on January 18, 1965.
^Manfull was commissioned during a recess of the Senate and recommissioned after confirmation on February 8, 1973.
^de Vos arrived at his post on June 28, 1990. He had not presented credentials before the overthrow of the government of Liberia on September 11, 1990.
