United States Ambassador to Liberia

Ambassador of the United States to Liberia
Seal of the United States Department of State
Incumbent Christine A. Elder since June 20, 2016
Nominator	Barack Obama
Inaugural holder	Abraham Hanson as Commissioner/Consul General
Formation	June 8, 1863
Website	U.S. Embassy - Monrovia

This is a record of Ambassadors of the United States to Liberia.

Liberia, as a nation, had its beginnings in 1821 when groups of free blacks from the United States emigrated from the U.S. and began establishing colonies on the coast under the direction of the American Colonization Society. Between 1821 and 1847, by a combination of purchase and conquest, American Societies developed the colonies under the name “Liberia”, dominating the native inhabitants of the area. In 1847 the colony declared itself an independent nation. Because it was already established as a nation, Liberia avoided becoming a European colony during the great age of European colonies in Africa during the latter half of the 19th century.

The United States recognized Liberia as an independent state in 1862 and commissioned its first representative to Liberia in 1863. The representative, Abraham Hanson, was appointed as Commissioner/Consul General. The status of the commissioner was later upgraded to Minister, and finally to full Ambassador in 1949. Relations between the United States and Liberia have been continuous since that time.

Eight U.S. ambassadors have died at their post serving in Liberia.

The U.S. Embassy in Liberia is located in Monrovia.

U.S. diplomatic terms

Note: The office was upgraded to Minister Resident/Consul General beginning with the next envoy.

Note: The ministerial post was upgraded to Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary after Mitchell (above) had taken his oath of office but before he proceeded to his post. He was recommissioned with the above title on January 20, 1931.

Note: From 1992–1999 the following officers served as chargés d’affaires ad interim: William H. Twaddell (September 1992–July 1995), William B. Milam (November 1995–January 1999), and Donald K. Petterson (February 1999–August 1999).