An organization formed
1817 that freed black
American Slaves and took them to
Liberia to establish a new life. The Society provided them with
housing and
food for six months while they built their own houses and planted their own crops. By
1867, the society had sent more than 13,000
emigrants.
"The usual pattern of reaction was initial enthusiasm for the new land and the new life; then, as the novelty wore off and disease began to make its inroads, disillusionment and homesickness became prevalent. Many died during this time of trial. But of those who survived the first year in Africa, most succeeded in achieving a tolerable existence and a few found a degree of success and happiness exceeding anything known by their black friends and relatives in America."
Bell I. Wiley, Slaves No More: Letters from Liberia
Sources:
etext.lib.virginia.edu/subjects/liberia/intro.html
www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/afam002.html