1824    Freed American slaves found Liberia.

1847    Liberia declares independence.

1916    World War I: Liberia declares war on Germany.

1980    Samuel Doe takes control of Liberia in a ''coup d'état'', ending over 130 years of national democratic presidential succession.

1980    In Florida, Liberian freighter ''MV Summit Venture'' collides with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay, making a 1,400-ft. section of the southbound span collapse. 35 people in six cars and a Greyhound bus fall 150 ft. into the water and die.

1985    Major General Samuel K. Doe is announced the winner of the first multi-party election in Liberia.

2006    Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is sworn in as Liberia's new president. She becomes Africa's first female elected head of state.