1853 Maryland independence referendum

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

Choice	Votes	%
For	122	100
Against	0	0
Invalid/blank votes		–
Total	122	100
Source: 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]