All entries

Rivers & landmarks ·

Cavalla River

The southeastern boundary river, joining Grebo and Krahn country to the Atlantic.

Biography

The Cavalla drains the southeastern forest and enters the sea near Cape Palmas, forming the modern border with Côte d'Ivoire.

Before 1822 it was a trade corridor rather than a frontier, carrying rice, ivory and forest produce down to the coastal Grebo towns.

Historical significance

A reminder that today's national borders cut across older economic and cultural units.

Timeline

  1. c. 1800Active canoe trade to Cape Palmas

On the map

Associated with Cavalla River. Open the historical atlas.

Related entries

References

  • Missionary and Admiralty records, 19th c.

Suggested reading

  • Martin (1968). The Dual Legacy.