This historic building is within the vicinity of RIA, once called the Robert’s Field, which was constructed in 1942 through a Defense Area Agreement between the United States and Liberia. In those early years, the airport was used most heavily by the US Air Force to assist in the transfer of aircraft from the American continent to war theaters in North Africa and Europe. At the close of the war in 1945, American army personnel were withdrawn and the facilities were closed, to be re-opened in 1947 by a private American company which began operating an air freight service between US and Liberia. Management rights were subsequently transferred to Pan American Airways Corporation. Pan Am developed the airport to international standards. It was able to handle jet aircraft and was served by about 12 international airlines until the Civil War in 1990 forced its closure. RIA was reopened in 1998. The Customs Building in Marshall is surrounded by the Chimpanzee Island and the Conservation Island. Marshall is poised as a landmark and a must view tourist site in Liberia!
A Historical Insight of LMTI
Our Journey
This 3-storey 1842 built Colonial Customs Building located in Marshall, Margibi County, is 7 miles South of Roberts International Airport( RIA). The Customs Building was the main source of revenue collection along the Du, Farmington and Junk Rivers ( overlooking the Atlantic Ocean) prior to the establishment of the Republic. Oral history from Marshall and Edina Dwellers as far back as 1838 narrate that early Customs Officers of Marshall required French and British traders to respect Liberia’s territorial community. The Custom Building generated revenues stored in Edina’s Treasury in Little Bassa ( Grand Bassa County). The Customs regulation issued was interwoven with faith, hard work and the “love of Liberty”. The values of the early founders of Liberia led to Liberia’s Declaration of Independence on July 26th, 1847.
A Slice of History -Our Campus Heritage
