A referendum on annexation by

Liberia Liberia (), officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to Liberia–Sierra Leone border, its northwest, Guinea to its north, Ivory Coast to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean ...

was held in the

Republic of Maryland The Republic of Maryland (also known variously as the Independent State of Maryland, Maryland-in-Africa, and Maryland in Liberia) was a country in West Africa that existed from 1834 to 1857, when it was merged into what is now Liberia. The area ...

on 24 February 1857.Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 24 February 1857: Integration with Liberia
Direct Democracy All voters voted in favor, and an agreement with Liberia was signed on 28 February. On 6 April 1857 the

Liberian Legislature The Legislature of Liberia is the bicameral legislature of the government of Liberia. It consists of a Senate – the upper house, and a House of Representatives – the lower house, modeled after the United States Congress. Sessions are held at ...

accepted Maryland into the republic.

Background

Whilst neighboring Liberia had become independent in 1847, Maryland remained a colony for a further seven years. Following a 1853 referendum,Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 31 January 1853: Independence
Direct Democracy Maryland became a separate independent state on 8 June 1854.Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 29 March 1854: Constitution
Direct Democracy In December 1856 Maryland became involved in a war against the native population. Liberian troops arrived to assist in February 1857, by which time Maryland could no longer see a future as an independent state. Demands were put to the legislature for a referendum on integration into Liberia

References

{{Republic of Maryland elections 1857 referendums Referendums in the Republic of Maryland 1857 in Africa Sovereignty referendums