The island is not very big — you can walk around it in about twenty minutes — but its position made it perfect for the early settlers. It was surrounded by water on all sides, which gave the new community some natural protection, and the river nearby provided fresh water and fish.
Over time, as the city of Monrovia grew on the mainland, Providence Island became quieter and quieter. Today it is mostly green and peaceful, with trees, birds and a wonderful view across the busy harbour where modern cargo ships come and go.
Visiting Providence Island is a bit like stepping back in time. It is a place where Liberians come to think about their country's beginnings and feel proud of how a small settlement grew into a whole nation. The island reminds visitors that big things often start in very small places.