Saint Paul River

Saint Paul River, river rising in southeastern Guinea, western Africa. Its source is in the mountains east of Macenta, and its upper reach (the Diani, or Nianda, River) forms part of the border between Guinea and Liberia. It was first sighted by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century on St. Paul’s feast day. Entering northern Liberia about 30 miles (50 km) due north of Gbarnga, it discharges into the Atlantic (5 miles [8 km] north of Monrovia) after a southwesterly course of about 280 miles (450 km). Navigable for 18 miles upstream to the falls at White Plains, the river and its major tributaries (the Via, Wuni, and Tuma) drain a basin of 8,460 square miles (21,900 square km) in Liberia and Guinea. Two arms of the St. Paul enclose Bushrod Island, site of the port of Monrovia. The Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Plant (1966) is upstream.