Voinjama is a city in northwestern Liberia, located in Lofa County. It is the capital of the county and is the largest city in the region. Voinjama is a center of trade and commerce and is known for its large market, which is the largest in the country. It is also home to the Voinjama University, which was founded in 2008.
The history of Voinjama is closely tied to the history of Liberia. The city was founded in 1821 by freed slaves from the United States who had been sent to Liberia as part of the American Colonization Society's efforts to repatriate freed slaves to Africa. The city was originally known as Woyama, which means "place of refuge" in the local Vai language.
The city was renamed Voinjama in 1878, after the local chief Voinjama who had welcomed the freed slaves to the area. During the 19th century, Voinjama was an important stop on the trade route between the interior of Liberia and the coast. It was a major center of commerce and was known for its large market.
In the early 20th century, Voinjama was a center of education and culture. It was home to the Voinjama University, which was founded in 1908. The university was the first in Liberia to offer higher education and was attended by students from all over the country. The university was also home to the largest library in the country, which was established in 1924.
During the Liberian Civil War (1989-2003), Voinjama was a major center of fighting and was occupied by rebel forces for several years. The city was heavily damaged during the war and many of its buildings were destroyed. Since the end of the war, the city has slowly been rebuilding and is now a bustling center of trade and commerce once again.
Today, Voinjama is a vibrant city that is home to a diverse population. It is a major center of trade and commerce and is known for its large market. It is also home to the Voinjama University, which is still one of the most important universities in Liberia. The city is an important part of Liberia's history and is a testament to the resilience of its people.