For the 4th communal section of Jean-Rabel, click here.
La Montagne is a communal section in the Southeast Department of Haiti. It is the eleventh communal section of Jacmel.
Neighboring sections
| Northwest 1re Muzac, LVJ |
Northeast 10e La Vanneau | |
|---|---|---|
| West 1re Brésilienne, BAI |
Jacmel |
East Baie de Jacmel |
| South |
History[]
La Montagne was previously the 13th rural section of the commune of Jacmel, adjacent to the city. It was subdivided in 1885, leading to the establishment of the Lavanneau section. In 1840, there were 491 well-maintained plantations in the area. The Belle Hotesse is located nearby.
Fort Frédérique, the burial site of General Frédérique, is situated within this rural section and was utilized in 1869 and 1883 during the bombardment of the city by the besieged forces.
Jacmel originally had a 14th section called Baguette.
• In 1503, Christopher Columbus anchored at Baguette Bay.
• At the onset of the civil war between Toussaint Louverture and Rigaud in 1799, Toussaint instigated an uprising aimed at compelling Beauvais, the commander of Jacmel, to support his cause against Rigaud. Bouchard, the battalion commander of Faubert's demi-brigade, played a pivotal role in inciting this revolt, which Beauvais ultimately suppressed. Lafortune emerged as the leader of this movement.
• In 1800, Captain Boisblanc led theToussaint-Louverture squadron from Léogâne. They skillfully evaded the English cruisers and found refuge in the small Baguette Bay, located southwest of Jacmel Bay. By doing so, they effectively cut off the besieged city's communication with Bainet.
• In 1799, the band leaders Lafortune and Conflant occupied the hills of Baguette. They faithfully followed the orders of Touissant-Louverture in their fight against Beauvais. The pilots of Jacmel skillfully maneuvered the ships in the Bay of Baguette.
Neighborhoods
| Code | Population | Places | |
| LMG | 21,662 | Baguette, Bassin-Bleu, Bellevue, Casque-Carré, Ca Titi, Corail, Desravines, Grand-Bangnin, La Colline, La Croix, La Montagne, Langlade, La Porte, La Valette, Mahotière, Menan, Nan Abricot, Nan Lafontant, Nan Margot, Nan Marquis, Plaine-Colin, Rampas, Sable-Cabaret, Saint-Rampas, Savane-Mambo, Terre-Rouge, Ti-Place-Bélot, Voûte. |
|---|
Section map of 11e La Montagne
Maison de Jacques de Beaulieu. Jacmel, Haiti
Bassins Bleu de Jacmel[]
The Bassins Bleu of Jacmel are situated between Morne Savanette and Mornes de la Porte. Unlike the towering mountains of Switzerland, these landscapes are not known for their height. However, they can rival the most stunning locations in the country due to the position of their lakes, in a valley that is just as picturesque as the most beautiful sites in Europe and America.
Very few individuals residing in Jacmel are aware of the existence of Bassins-Bleus. It is important to note that there are multiple basins situated in a cascading manner, forming small waterfalls as the waters flow from one to another. During an encounter with the area, the gradual ascent was observed from east to west, navigating through the rocky terrain.
Out of the various basins, three significant ones are highlighted due to their expansive size and deep waters: Bassin-Bleu, specifically, Bassin-Palmiste, and Bassin Clair.
This hidden gem is called the Petite Rivière de Cabaret, a river that nourishes the Bassins Bleus and eventually merges with the sea at the base of Morne La Porte, after creating the tranquil Eau Calme.
To reach this astonishing place, which is almost unnoticed by the people of Jacmel, there are two routes available: the Savanette road and the Little River road. Opting for the latter takes one through a valley, where one finds themself walking in the water throughout the journey. However, this minor inconvenience is easily overshadowed by the surrounding breathtaking views.
Imagine a valley that stretches for half a league in length, with an average width of around thirty paces. In certain areas, the trees that border the valley are so dense that the sunlight struggles to penetrate through to the ground below. On either side, you will find towering bayahondes, quenepiers, gum trees, campeches, and acacias, adorned with various climbing lianas that bear fragrant flowers. These lianas intertwine at the tree canopy, creating magnificent triumphal arches along several sections of the path, as if nature herself had kindly arranged them.
To the right and left of the valley, one can observe massive rocks that have been shaped by time or water. These rocks are stacked on top of each other, giving the impression that they had once tumbled down from the hill's summit. Within the crevices of these rocks, tall palm trees thrive, serving as nesting grounds for thousands of birds known as palmist birds in the region. As the traveler approaches the vicinity of these aviaries, the birds take flight from the palm trees and perch on the surrounding trees. It is at this moment that a skilled hunter, swiftly targets them. In no time, he successfully prepares a dish from his catch for the household.
Soon, you are obliged to leave your horse at a neighboring house where you receive completely cordial hospitality from the inhabitant. Traditional grog is offered for your safe arrival.
The trail gradually becomes more challenging, or rather, it completely disappears. One must rely on their hands to lift themself over the sizable rocks that must be traversed in order to reach the pools. The ascent is complete in under ten minutes, and the focus is captivated by a remarkable new sight.
In front of you lies the first blue pool, whose waters have a beautiful blue color because of their depth. From there comes the name Bassin-bleu.
Following a narrow path, one will reach the second basin known as Bassin-Palmiste. In the center, there is a massive rock resembling a basin, with lovely shrubs growing from its crevices. The water flows around like a graceful fountain. Positioned on the northern side of this basin is a colossal palm tree, giving rise to the name Palmiste Basin. Moving a bit further up, one will encounter Bassin-Clair. This basin features a significant waterfall cascading from it, measuring approximately sixty feet in height. Despite being shallower than the others, it is just as wide, reaching a depth of merely fifteen feet and a width of around forty feet.
The water is excessively cold, and so clear to the point that fish can easily be seen swimming at the bottom. It is so clear that if one were to throw a pin, a diver could easily find it. This is why the basin is called Bassin-Clair.
This location is a must-see and tourists are encouraged to pay a visit. Following their visit, they will undoubtedly realize that this description falls short of the true beauty they will witness.
The discovery of this enchanting area is credited to a generous crop inspector who graciously acted as a guide.
Every culture has its own folklore that is passed down from generation to generation, often shared by elders with the younger ones by the fireside.
We, too, have our own Creole legends, many of which are truly unique.
Legend has it that the Bassins-bleu are inhabited by Waterbenders (naiads in the Fable).
Local elders claim to have glimpsed the water goddess, appearing as a beautiful brunette with long golden braids, sitting on a rock by the palm tree at the Basin.
As soon as someone approaches, she vanishes beneath the water.
We bid you farewell, dear readers, and hope that your curiosity will lead you to explore these stunning blue pools, just as we did.
-L.A. Brun (Moniteur de 18 Janvier, 1924)
Michael Vedrine is the truth