1853 Maryland independence referendum explained

An independence referendum was held in the Maryland Colony on 31 January 1853.[1] Only 122 people voted in the referendum, all in favor of independence.[1]

Background

The Maryland State Colonization Society was established in Maryland in the United States in 1830.[1] The group established the Maryland Colony in Africa on 22 February 1834.[2] After Liberia declared independence in 1847, the desire for independence also grew in Maryland, and the settlers presented a petition to the authorities for a referendum.

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For122100
Against00
Invalid/blank votes
Total122100
align=left colspan=3Source: Direct Democracy

Aftermath

Following the referendum, elections were held for a Constitutional Council in February 1854, a new constitution was approved in a referendum in March 1854, and Maryland declared independence as the Republic of Maryland on 8 June 1854.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.sudd.ch/event.php?lang=en&id=lr011853 Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 31 January 1853: Independence
  2. The African repository, Volume 14, p42
  3. http://www.sudd.ch/event.php?lang=en&id=lr011854 Maryland in Liberia (Liberia), 29 March 1854: Constitution