Cap-Haïtien

"Bay kou bliye, pote mak sonje."
He who strikes the blow, forgets; he who bears the bruises, remembers." -A Haitian proverb

Cap-Haïtien (or Le Cap) (pronounced 'Cap-Hay-Shen') is a city of about 275,000 people on the north coast of Haiti.

"The Capital of the Northern Region", officially and often known by its nickname Au-Cap, is the cultural, financial, and commercial center of Northern Haiti. Widely regarded as Haiti's "second city", it is actually the sixth most populous city in Haiti (after Gonaïves), and the most populous city in the Northern Department. Located in a large coastal basin surrounded on three sides by mountains reaching up to and over 2,000 meters (6,000 feet), Cap-Haïtien covers an area of about 44 square kilometers (21 square miles). The city is also the seat of Cap-Haïtien Arrondissement, the 7th most populated arrondissement in the country.

Cap-Haïtien is the anchor of Haiti's Northeast Corridor, the geographical region stretching from Cap-Haïtien to Ouanaminthe, with 650,000 inhabitants.

Cap-Haïtien is also the capital of Northern department and Haiti's third most populous state capital. Due to its proximity to wide Caribbean beaches to its northwest, Cap-Haïtien has traditionally been a resort and vacation destination for Haiti's upper classes. In 2013, Cap-Haïtien came in at No. 5 on MondoBlog magazine's, annual top-ten list of the "most beautiful communes" of Haiti.

About[]

Pre-colonial history[]

The Cap-Haïtien coastal area was settled by the Taíno Amerindian tribes. Cap-Haïtien would eventually be founded on the site of the village of Guarico. Guarico served as the seat of Marién, one of the original five kingdoms that formed the Taíno homeland of Ayiti. Marién was ruled by chief Guacanagaríx, the first leader to greet Christopher Columbus and to embrace Christianity.

Spanish contact[]

To the east of this city, Christopher Columbus constructed a fort named La Navidad using the remains of the Santa María, which had been shipwrecked on Christmas Eve in 1492. He left 39 of his men behind, who were all killed by the natives, angered by their demands, before Columbus could return. The fort, which was subsequently burned down, was never rebuilt and remained forgotten until some remnants were discovered by a local in 1977.

History[]

Main article: History of Cap-Haïtien

The city of Cap-Haitien was founded in 1670 under the administration of Governor Bertrand d'Ogeron during the French colonial period. This important city is situated in the center of the Northern Plain's coastline. Shortly after the French took over the western portion of the island from Spain, it was designated as the colonial capital of the French colony of Haïti (Saint-Domingue).

It received official recognition as a city through a royal decree in 1711 and subsequently emerged as the economic hub of the colony. Throughout its history, it has been known as Cap-Français or Paris de Santo Domingo during the colonial period, Cap-Henri during the reign of Henri Christophe, and finally Cap-Haïtien following the independence war.

When General Henri Christophe ascended to the throne in 1811, he designated it as Cap Henri. This name was abandoned with the end of his reign, and since then, it has retained the name it holds today. The initial settlers were pirates from la Tortuga. In the early years, they faced significant challenges from Spanish incursions aimed at destroying their settlements; however, as the developing colony gained strength, the Cape also flourished and, prior to the French Revolution, presented the image of a well-constructed city, which became the focal point of commerce and reflected the wealth of its residents. It was recognized as the wealthiest colony of the 17th century due to its location at the heart of the region where half of the world’s sugar was produced. This prosperity was achieved through the heavy exploitation of enslaved individuals brought from Africa. Cap-Francais earned the title of the Paris of the Caribbean. Granted municipal status in 1804, Cap-Haïtien comprises three communal sections and a district.

The law of November 20, 1821, fixes the precise distance from this commune to the capital at 60 leagues.

Timeline[]

A ferry once linked the military post at Petite Anse on the Upper Cape River. The administration of President ¹²Boisrond Canal ordered the construction of an iron bridge at this location, which was officially opened on June 20, 1877. Subsequently, the government of ¹³President Saloman acquired this bridge from the builders in 1887, and the State has not imposed tolls on it.

• In May 1695, the Cape was assaulted and looted by the British, in retaliation for the Jamaica expedition led by Jean-Baptiste du Casse in 1694.

• In 1739, Fort Picolet was constructed, featuring two stacked batteries, a walkway, and a coastal wall. Additional fortifications in the vicinity include Fort Magny (where General Magny is interred and which is defended by batterie du Gris-Gris), Fort Belly, Fort-aux-Dames, and Fort Saint-Joseph.

• The population reached 15,000 inhabitants in 1790.

• The city was burned for the first time from June 21 to 23, 1793 during a conflict between Republican troops and white separatists.

• On February 5 or 6, 1802, during the unloading of the Santo Domingo Expedition, General Henri Christophe, confronted with French military dominance and employing a scorched earth strategy, reportedly ignited the fire that completely devastated the city.

• On October 18, 1802, the insurgent groups led by Petit Noël Prière, with the support of Pétion and Clerveaux, encamped around Cap-Haïtien. Christophe joined their ranks. The white inhabitants of the city then perpetrated horrific acts of violence, slaughtering both black and yellow individuals, while twelve hundred soldiers from the 6th colonial regiment drowned in the harbor. Leclerc promptly commanded the gathering of all troops from the western and eastern regions to Cap-Haïtien.

• On the following 28th of October, Cap-Haïtien faced another siege from the local uprisings. General Leclerc, while on his deathbed, instructed General Clauzel to secure only the city walls for better defense. The insurgents were encamped less than a league from the city gates. On November 1st, Leclerc succumbed to yellow fever in the Cape at one o'clock in the morning, and appointed General Rochambeau as his successor. Pauline Bonaparte had her husband's body embalmed, and after receiving funeral honors, it was placed aboard the ship le Swiftsure, on which she traveled with him. The remains of Captain General Leclerc were interred in the Pantheon.

The city

The central area of the city is located between the Bay of Cap-Haïtien to the east, and nearby mountainsides to the west, which are increasingly dominated by flimsy urban slums. The streets are generally narrow and arranged in grids. As a legacy of the US occupation of Haiti from 1915-1934, Cap-Haïtien's north-south streets were re-named as single letters (beginning with Rue A, a major avenue), and its east-west streets with numbers. This system breaks down outside of the central city, which is itself dominated by numerous markets, churches, and low-rise apartment buildings (3-4 floors each) constructed primarily before and during the US occupation. Many such buildings have balconies on the upper floors which overlook the narrow streets below, creating a an intimate communal atmosphere during the Haitian dinner hours.

Cap-Haïtien is also the nearest sizeable city to the historic Haitian town of Milot, which lies 12 miles to the south along a gravel road. Milot was Haiti's former capital under the self-proclaimed King Henri Christophe, who ascended to power in 1807, three years after Haiti had gained independence from France. As a result, Milot hosts the ruins of the Sans Souci palace, wrecked in an 1800's-era earthquake, as well as the massive Citadelle Laferrière, an immense stone fortress bristling with cannons. The Citadelle is located five miles from Milot, atop a nearby mountain.

Geography[]

Cap-Haïtien is a port city located on the Haiti's northern coast and was considered in the nineteenth century as the Haiti's safest port. The city lies on the west coast of Cap-Haïtien Bay, at the mouth of the Haut-du-Cap River and is dominated by the mountain Morne Jean which rises to 718 meters (2,356 feet) above sea level. To the west of the agglomeration of Cap-Haïtien lies the deep Acul Bay.

This coastal city is largely dominated by plains and has a tropical climate.

Neighborhoods[]

CAP	Cap-Haïtien	274,404
VCH	Ville du Cap-Haïtien	170,994
QPA	Quartier de Petit-Anse	98,042
BNO	1ère Section Bande-du-Nord	23,256	Bel-Air, Cormier, Doco, Ducroix, Falaise, Fort-Bely, Georges, Grand-Doco, Labadi, La Fague, Plateau-François, Poirier, Saint-Martin, Vigie.
HCP	2ème Section Haut-du-Cap	150,176	Ste Philomène, Barière-Bouteille, Bréda, Camp-Fort, Charrier, Fort-Durocher, La Coupe Brada, La Voûte, Patasson, Vertières.
PAS	3ème Section Petit-Anse	2,930	Balan, Bruno, Charut, Haut-du-Cap, La Petite Anse, Magaeline.

Demographics Its inhabitants are called Capois.

Year	Population	Change
1790	15,000
1890	35,000	+133%
1950	29,190	-17%
1971	60,448	+107%
1982	64,406	+7%
1992	92,100	+43%
1998	128,973	+40%
2003	111,094	-14%
2009	155,505	+40%
2015	274,404	+76%

Climate

The prevailing winds in the Cape area come from the east, north, and southwest. The northern winds bring cold and humidity from October to March. The westerly winds are heavy, hot, and humid, creating a strong impression of warm climates. A southerly wind, similar to that in Puerto Plata, blows from the ground at night. Since its establishment, the area has faced many hurricanes, including those on August 14, 1680, August 13, 1765, and September 27, 1785.

Rainfall occurs from October to April, while dry weather is typical from May to September. Cap-Haïtien receives an average of 1,407 mm (55 inches) of rain annually. The Great North River flows south of the bay, and the river at Gravois is located east of the Grande Riviere's mouth.

The mountains around Cap-Haïtien are quite separate from other mountain ranges on the island. They lie between Acul Bay and the urban area of Cap Haitien. Cape Morne starts at Le Morne Rouge, east of Acul Bay, and stretches to Picolet, covering a straight distance of 15.6 km (10 miles). The highest point is located in the center of the Loumeau habitation, reaching 709 meters (2,326 feet) above sea level. There is also Morne of Vigie at 293 meters (961 feet) and Morne Lory.

Infrastructure[]

Transportation

The small Cap-Haïtien Airport, situated on the southeast edge of the city, is presently served by various small domestic airlines, and is patrolled by a number of agencies.

The port of Cap-Haïtien is capable of accommodating a substantial fleet. It is located in the most picturesque area of the island. Its waters are both safe and deep, capable of hosting up to 600 vessels of varying sizes. The port is open to international trade. However, the entrance to the harbor is challenging, necessitating the assistance of a pilot at all times. When the pilot guides the ships a league away from Picolet, a fee is charged.

A naval shipyard that was once established in the Cape has long since disappeared, having previously supplied several vessels to the State, including a magnificent brig. Currently, only ships intended for cabotage are being constructed. The bay of Cap-Haïtien is positioned between the tip of Caracol and that of Picolet.

Education

The King Henri Christophe University, a newly established campus of the State University of Haiti, was officially inaugurated on January 12, 2012, in Limonade after over 17 months of construction (the first stone was laid on July 31, 2010). Funded by the Dominican Republic, this institution is designed to accommodate 10,000 students and is expected to feature the most advanced university infrastructure in Haiti. The campus includes several three-story buildings that will house: 72 classrooms, each capable of accommodating 30 students, a library, meeting rooms, computer laboratories, as well as facilities for accountants, scientists, and various academic, administrative, and recreational purposes.

In Cap-Haïtien, there are several other private and public universities, including Notre Dame University of Haiti, the Franco-Haitian University of Cap-Haitien - the University of King Henri Christophe, Antenor Firmin University, the Public University du Nord - Cap-Haitien, the Faculty of Law, Management and Economics of Cap-Haïtien, among many others.

The Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports is represented in the commune by a departmental directorate. The distribution of educational institutions is as follows: there are twenty-three kindergartens, 29 public primary schools, numerous private schools, and congregational institutions. At the secondary level, there are 5 public schools along with many private and congregational schools. Additionally, the city of Cap-Haïtien is home to 8 vocational schools, five private universities, and seven other colleges.

Health

The Ministry of Public Health and Population is represented in the commune by a departmental office. As a provincial municipality, Cap-Haïtien is fortunate in terms of health services. It has access to fairly satisfactory primary health care. According to state results, this department ranks among the best in basic health care provision, with a service level that exceeds the average.

Utilities

Concerning the availability of water, the municipality of Cap-Haïtien is served by a river, seven springs, and a lagoon. The water distribution system, which was established in 1922, was expanded across the municipality in 1952. The storage tanks are quite antiquated; for instance, two of them date back to 1896, and the majority are no longer operational. Additional water sources include three artesian wells, several traditional colonial-style wells, and public fountains equipped with twenty taps and pumps. The entire city of Cap-Haïtien has access to electricity.

Security

At the administrative and judicial infrastructure level, the commune is equipped with a police station and two sub-police stations. Additionally, a court of appeal, two peace tribunals, and a registry office have been documented. The commune's garrison consists of the 2nd and 30th line infantry regiments, the latter established in 1822, the 1st battalion of the 1st line artillery regiment, the national guard on foot, an administrative police company, and the rural police.

Culture[]

Known historically as "Le Paris des Antilles," Cap‑Haïtien features well-preserved colonial architecture, including gingerbread houses and landmarks like the Citadelle Laferrière, Sans‑Souci Palace, and the Cathedral—key symbols of Haitian independence. The city produced renowned artists like Philomé Obin, and is alive with vibrant local jazz bands such as Septentrional and Tropicana, with rival fan clubs animating the cultural life. The calendar is filled with cultural and religious events—Carnival, Jazz Festivals, and Flag Day parades with school marching bands. Marketplaces and street cuisine feature griot, akra, fried plantains, and more. With nearby beaches (Labadee, Cormier, Belli) and UNESCO heritage sites, tourism is on the rise. Both locals and visitors are drawn to the coastal areas, markets, and cultural heritage sites.

Religion

The city's religious realm includes 44 places of worship. The Masonic lodges located in Cap-Haïtien include: Haitian No. 6, Humanity No. 26, and Revival No. 50, all operating under the Grand Orient of Haiti.

Organizations

Data on political representations, popular organizations, etc. are not available. Six non-governmental organizations with headquarters in the city of Cap-Haïtien and one international organization have been identified.

Konbit Sante Cap-Haïtien Health Partnership is partnered with local hospitals - Justinien University Hospital and Fort Saint-Michel - to enhance healthcare capacity (training, supplies, and infrastructure).
Cap-Haïtien Health Network coordinates medical services, training, water/sanitation, maternal, and child health across northern Haiti.
SOIL (Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods) focuses on ecological sanitation, composting toilets, and waste-to-fertilizer systems.
AVSI Foundation focuses on agricultural development, rural food security, water and environmental programs.
MPP (Papaye Peasant Movement) focuses on supporting sustainable farming, legal aid, healthcare, and education programs. It is Haiti's largest peasant-led grassroots organization with over 60,000 members.
Fonkoze is Haiti's largest microfinance organization, headquartered in Port-au-Prince, with branches supporting rural women, including those in the Cap-Haïtien area.

Communication

The city's communication channels consist of a telephone exchange, 12 radio stations, 2 television stations, and a newspaper/magazine. Since the establishment of the post office in 1826, two couriers have departed from the Cape every Monday and Thursday: one heading to Port-au-Prince and the South via Plaisance, and the other directed towards the Northeast.

Social cohesion

Social life is predominantly focused on family, neighbors, and religious communities. Individuals foster close relationships, frequently participating in mutual assistance and community support. The Boulevard du Cap, Place d'Armes, and beachfront promenades act as significant meeting points for residents to socialize, especially during the evenings and on weekends.

Religious occasions serve not only as spiritual events but also as social gatherings that include music, dance, and shared meals. Kompa, Rara, and traditional drumming are essential components of the local nightlife and festivities. Informal street dancing and drum circles are prevalent, particularly during cultural holidays.

Cap-Haïtien boasts a modest yet vibrant nightlife with local bars, nightclubs, and beachfront lounges featuring Haitian music alongside international hits. Street vendors and small cafés are vital to daily life, providing spaces for dining, conversation, and relaxation. Football (soccer) reigns as the most favored sport, with local matches being significant community events.

Numerous social dynamics are influenced by poverty and limited opportunities. Informal commerce, including street vending and moto-taxi driving, significantly contributes to daily interactions. Many families maintain connections with relatives abroad, and these transnational ties influence social life through remittances, visits, and cultural exchanges.

Cap319 — Heros de Vertieres; Cap-Haïtien, Haiti

Leisure

In terms of leisure activities, the commune of Cap-Haïtien has two libraries, four theaters, and five cinemas. The former museum that operated until the 1970s and 1980s is no longer in existence. The sports that are commonly practiced include football (soccer), volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, judo, and karate, among others.

The walled compound of the Labadie beach resort is situated six miles northwest of the city and serves as a temporary stop for Royal Caribbean cruise ships. It is accessible from Cap-Haïtien via a rugged and mountainous dirt and gravel road.

Twin towns and Sister Cities[]

Cap-Haïtien currently has three sister cities:

Notable residents[]

The tomb of ⁹Sylvain Salnave, who served as President of Haiti, alongside that of General Etienne Leo, the commander of the district, is located in Camp de Mars, in the shadow of the palm tree of freedom. The deputy Saint-Martin, who was expelled from the House on August 30, 1822, during the Darfur affair at Port-au-Prince, represented the commune of Cap-Haïtien.

Among the most distinguished individuals from Cap-Haïtien are Queen Marie-Louise, the spouse of Henri Christophe I, King of Haiti, as well as Sylvain Salnave, ⁵Pierrot, and ¹⁵Hippolyte, all of whom served as Presidents of Haiti. The district was also commanded by Generals Magny, Etienne Leo, ¹⁷Nord Alexis, B. Monpoint, ¹⁶Tiresias Simon Sam, and Séide Thélémaque. Demesvar Delorme, a prominent Haitian author and a leading orator, represented his commune multiple times in the Chamber of Deputies and held the position of Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary to the German Government. Other notable figures include V. Dejoie, Cassius Daniel, Evariste Laroche, Jean-Joseph Dalbemar, Francois Manigat, J.B.N. Desroches, Jeune Belliard, Saint-Martin Dupuy, Antenor Firmin, and Steward, who served as secretaries of state. Pierre-baptiste Léveillé, J.B. Bins, Count of St. Victor, Baron Vastey, Demesvar Delorme, and Antenor Firmin have made their mark through significant literary contributions. Milscent and Oswald Durand are recognized as poets from Cape; the former tragically lost his life in the earthquake of May 7, 1842, while the latter represented his commune in the Chamber of Deputies.

Development issues[]

Protect the plain against the extension of the city
Protect the historic center
Structuring the growth of the city
Find the river and the coastal strip
Develop port infrastructures
Build the RN1 / RN3 link and a train station
Unclog the entrances of the city

References[]

International Port Du Cap-Haitien - Jean Guillaume Chavannes, local guide [1]

Marché Artisanal - Fanny LEON (OGDNH) [2]

short article - Columbia encyclopedia

_{Michael Vedrine}