Liberia Gbarnga is a city in central Liberia, located in the Bong County. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a long and fascinating history. Gbarnga was founded in the early 19th century by settlers from the Kru ethnic group, who were fleeing from the coastal areas of Liberia. The city quickly grew and became an important trading center, connecting the interior of the country to the coast. It was also a major political and religious center, as it served as the capital of the Kru Confederacy from 1822 to 1847.
During the early 19th century, Gbarnga was a major center of the slave trade. Many of the Kru ethnic group were enslaved and taken to the coast, where they were sold to Europeans. In the late 19th century, Gbarnga became a major hub for the rubber trade, as rubber was in high demand in Europe and the United States.
Gbarnga was also a major center of education and culture in Liberia. The city was home to the Gbarnga School of Arts and Sciences, which was founded in 1845 and was the first school of higher education in the country. The school was a major center of learning and culture, and many of Liberia's most prominent leaders and thinkers were educated there.
Gbarnga was also an important center of the religious revival movement in Liberia. The city was home to the Gbarnga Bible College, which was founded in 1877 by the American missionary George Way. The college was an important center of religious education and training, and many of Liberia's most prominent religious leaders and theologians were educated there.
During the Liberian Civil War, Gbarnga was the site of some of the most intense fighting. In 1990, Gbarnga was captured by the rebel forces of Charles Taylor, who would later become the president of Liberia. The city was devastated by the fighting and many of its buildings and cultural sites were destroyed.
Today, Gbarnga is a vibrant and bustling city, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is home to many of Liberia's most important cultural sites, such as the Gbarnga School of Arts and Sciences, the Gbarnga Bible College, and the historic Kru Confederacy headquarters. The city is also home to a number of markets and other local businesses, and it is a popular tourist destination. Gbarnga is a testament to the resilience of the Liberian people, and it is a city with a rich and diverse past.