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Today in History: First American Colonization Society Ship Sets Sail for Liberia

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 6, 1820, the American Colonization Society's first ship set sail from New York, carrying 86 African-American emigrants to establish the colony of Liberia in West Africa. This initiative aimed to repatriate freeborn individuals and emancipated slaves, despite a high mortality rate among settlers in the region.

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Story summary

On February 6, 1820, the American Colonization Society's first ship set sail from New York, carrying 86 African-American emigrants to establish the colony of Liberia in West Africa. This initiative aimed to repatriate freeborn individuals and emancipated slaves, despite a high mortality rate among settlers in the region.