On this day of history, the country of Liberia finally gained independence from the United States. The colony was once known as a location that populated with freed African-Americans slaves from the West Indies or native tribes. The freed slaves were filled with overflowing happiness as they jumped with joy for they knew that they were free from their masters. Liberia began to prosper and then in 1847, a great leader, Joseph Jenkins Roberts significantly changed the course of history. He was an African-American born in Norfolk, virginia on March 15, 1809 and officially declared independence for Liberia. In the following years, Mr. Roberts was elected president and was an honorable man that truly made an impact for Liberia.