Rivercess County is one of the fifteen counties of Liberia, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is bordered by Grand Gedeh County to the east, Nimba County to the north, and Maryland County to the south. The county is home to a population of over 60,000 people, most of whom are from the Kpelle ethnic group. It is a rural area with a strong agricultural tradition, and has a long and fascinating history.
The earliest known inhabitants of the region were the Kpelle people, who settled in the area around the 13th century. They were a peaceful people who lived in small villages and farmed the land. In the 16th century, European traders and explorers arrived in the area and began trading with the Kpelle. The first Europeans to settle in the area were the Portuguese, who established trading posts along the coast.
During the 19th century, the area was part of the larger territory of Grand Bassa, which was a part of the British protectorate of Liberia. In 1838, the area was divided into four counties, including Rivercess County. The county was named after the River Cess, which flows through the area.
In the late 19th century, the area was a major center for the rubber trade. The Kpelle people were involved in the trade, as well as in the production of palm oil. The rubber trade was a major source of wealth for the region, and it helped to develop the economy and infrastructure of the area.
During the 20th century, the area was impacted by the civil wars that plagued Liberia in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many of the villages in the area were destroyed, and the population was displaced. In 2003, the United Nations established a peacekeeping mission in the area, which helped to restore stability.
Today, Rivercess County is a peaceful and prosperous area. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with the main crops being rice, cassava, and palm oil. The area is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with traditional music and dance being popular. The Kpelle people are still the dominant ethnic group in the area, and they have maintained their traditional customs and beliefs.
Rivercess County is an area with a long and fascinating history. From the earliest inhabitants to the present day, the area has seen many changes and developments. Despite the challenges it has faced, the county remains a peaceful and prosperous part of Liberia.