Mariners' Museum - Waters of Despair, Waters of Hope

The American Colonization Society

In the early 1800s, the American Colonization Society was formed to offer slaves and free blacks the opportunity to return to Africa. Promising slaves passage to Liberia and support in establishing new lives, the society hoped to provide a peaceful solution to slavery and racial conflict. Most African-Americans opposed the plan, but a few thousand did settle in Liberia. Many departed from the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk. A few black watermen paid extra to have their boats shipped to Africa with them.

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