Cape Mesurado Cape

Address: Cape Mesurado (near central Monrovia), Montserrado County, Liberia

Hours: Open year-round (no formal visitor facilities)

Admission: Free

Cape Mesurado is a coastal headland at the mouth of the Mesurado River on Liberia’s Atlantic coast, located within the urban area of the capital, Monrovia. It is historically significant as the place where the settlement that became Monrovia was established in 1822.

The headland fronts Monrovia’s port and city waterfront; there are coastal views over the river mouth and shipping approaches rather than developed tourist facilities. Nearby city streets, beaches and harbor infrastructure are the main features people see when visiting the area.

The cape became the focus for settlement and colonial activity in the early 19th century when colonists established a foothold on land purchased at the river mouth. Over time that settlement expanded inland and developed into the modern city of Monrovia.

Geographically it sits on the Atlantic shoreline in Montserrado County within the built-up area of Monrovia, beside the Mesurado River and adjacent to the city’s port and downtown districts.

• Urban location: Sits immediately adjacent to the central district of Monrovia and is effectively part of the city waterfront.
• Founding site: Site where the colony that became Monrovia was established in 1822 by settlers organized by the American Colonization Society.

From central Monrovia, Cape Mesurado is a short taxi ride (roughly 10-20 minutes depending on traffic). Public motos operate in the city but negotiating for a taxi from Mamba Point or the Port area will be the easiest option for visitors. There are no formal visitor facilities at the cape; local guides in Monrovia can provide historical context and safe routing for shoreline walks.

• Plan any visit from Monrovia - local taxis or motos can reach the cape in 10-20 minutes depending on traffic.
• Be mindful of tides and local boat schedules if attempting a short coastal walk - local fishermen are the best source of current conditions.
• Combine a visit with the National Museum of Liberia in Monrovia to put the cape's 19th‑century colonization history in context.