History & Culture | Coconut Cove Retreat

Our History & Culture

Explore Edina's Settler Architecture

Explore Edina's Historical Homes

Explore Edina's Monuments

In Edina, the legacy of President Joseph James Cheeseman, the nation’s 12th president, intertwines with the town’s early architecture and historical monuments, offering a glimpse into its storied past. Born in Edina in 1843, Cheeseman rose from a Baptist minister’s son to a prominent leader, serving as president from 1892 until his death in 1896, and his influence is still felt through landmarks like his now-ruined mansion near the Mechlin River, one of three rivers—along with the St. John and Benson—that merge into a shared estuary before flowing into the Atlantic through a narrow opening locals call “the bad mouth.” The town’s early structures, founded in 1832 by the American Colonization Society, reflect settler architecture with 1800s-style homes and churches, showcasing simple, functional designs adapted to the tropical climate. Visitors can also explore notable monuments like the Cheeseman Monument, a southern-style memorial honoring his presidency, and the Bob Gray Monument, commemorating a Bassa king who supported early settlers, both standing as tributes to Edina’s role in Liberia’s history as a key settlement and trading hub along this vibrant estuary.

A Rich Settler Heritage

In Edina, the religious heritage shines through its historic churches, deeply rooted in the city’s founding by the American Colonization Society in 1832. Guests can explore the second oldest Baptist church in Liberia, established by early settlers who brought their faith from the United States, reflecting the community’s strong Christian foundation. Nearby, the First United Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church in Liberia, founded in 1820 by freed slaves, stands as a testament to the enduring Wesleyan tradition that has shaped the spiritual life of the region. Visiting these sacred spaces offers a heartfelt connection to Edina’s rich history, where faith and community have intertwined for nearly two centuries.

Baptist Church

Coastal Construction

Methodist Church

Edina City

Edina holds a special place in the nation’s history as one of the original settlements founded by the American Colonization Society in 1832, welcoming freed African Americans and liberated Africans seeking a new beginning. Guests can explore this historic town along the estuary, where the echoes of its past as a key trading hub for timber and palm oil still linger in the air. The well-planned layout, with its wide streets and colonial-style buildings, reflects the vision of its founders and the resilience of its early settlers who shaped Liberia’s cultural and political landscape. Strolling through Edina, you’ll feel the weight of its legacy as a cornerstone of Liberia’s journey toward independence and identity, making it a captivating stop for history enthusiasts.

City Limits

City Hall

City History

Buchanan City

Across the estuary in Buchanan, guests can dive into the vibrant Fante section of town, home to the tribal Fante fishing community, where the rich maritime culture comes alive. As you stroll through this lively area, you’ll be captivated by the sight of colorful fishing boats bobbing along the shore or being skillfully crafted by local artisans using traditional methods passed down through generations. The rhythmic sounds of hammering and the scent of fresh timber fill the air as you watch the Fante fishermen build their iconic wooden canoes, a testament to their deep connection to the sea. This immersive experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the community’s heritage, where fishing isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life woven into the cultural fabric of Buchanan.