| The American Colonization Society was founded in Washington in 1816. The purpose of the society was to encourage the emigration of African Americans back to Africa. Amoung the founders of the society were Henry Clay, Francis Scott Key and Bushnod Washington. In 1821 the society successfully founded the African colony of Liberia. The initial settlment was on Cap Mesurado. The colony was led by Jehudi Ashmun. The colony became the Republic of Liberia in 1847. A total of 20,000 African Americans emigrated Liberia |
