Lacroix-Perisse is the first communal section of L’Estère, located within the Gonaïves Borough of Haiti’s Artibonite Department. Known for its mix of rural landscapes and small local communities, this section plays a vital role in the agricultural and social life of the commune. Featuring a combination of fertile plains and gentle hills, the area supports farming activities that contribute significantly to the local economy. The section includes several villages and habitations where traditional Haitian culture and community ties remain strong, reflecting the region’s rich heritage and ongoing development efforts.
Neighboring sections[]
↖️ Northwest 
1re Pont Tamarin, GON |
North
3e Rivière de Bayonnais, GON |
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| West | ||
| ↙️ Southwest
1re Desdunes, DED |
South
2e Fossé-Naboth, DES |
Southeast 
↘️ 3e Ogé, DES ↘️ |
Welcome sign on the RN-1
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* Section map of Lacroix-Perisse, first section of L'Estère, Haiti. The approximate location of the Battle of Ravine-à-Couleurves (Battle of Snake Gully) is just east of the Mapou neighborhood. Look for the space formed by the distinctive J-shaped street near the bottom of the map, just off Route 107 (marked in yellow). This area marks where Haitian forces, led by Toussaint Louverture, held off the French troops in 1802.
Neighborhoods[]
| PLE | Bois Blanc, Carrefour Bois de Chaux, Catigale, Dalfeuille, Désiré, Gayatant, La Cour Périsse, Macajou, Macatin, Manyan, Mapou, Mare Louise, Nan Toussaint, Perisse, Rigaud, Rival, Roselière, Savane, Ti Périsse |
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Périsse[]
Périsse is a key locality, situated about a league from Ravine-à-Couleuvres in the fertile Lacroix Plain. The area is primarily rural, with agriculture—especially rice, maize, and plantain cultivation—forming the backbone of the local economy.
Périsse holds significant historical importance. On February 23, 1802, after being pushed back by General Rochambeau, Toussaint Louverture rallied his troops at the Périsse estate. There, he inspired his soldiers with a powerful message: the battle against the French would determine their fate—defeat meant a return to slavery, victory meant freedom forever. The troops vowed to win or die, successfully pushing Rochambeau back to Ravine-à-Couleuvres. When Vernet left Gonaïves as Leclerc approached, Toussaint departed Périsse to confront Leclerc at the l'Estère Bridge. Meanwhile, Rochambeau moved into the Savanne Désolée and headed to Gonaïves to meet Leclerc, marking a critical moment in the struggle for Haitian independence.
Today, Périsse remains a community where social life revolves around local schools, churches, and communal gatherings. Its fertile lands and proximity to major roads facilitate access to markets in the town center and beyond. Despite limited infrastructure, residents continue to show resilience, preserving their cultural traditions while gradually developing the locality.
Plaine du Lacroix[]
The Lacroix Plain, located at the entrance of the Ravine-à-Couleuvres near Gonaïves, was once part the rural area of Desdunes. This region is also referred to as Savane Désolée (English: the "Desolate Savannah"). This plain is traversed by a stream sharing its name, which originates from Montagne Noire and eventually flows into the Laquinte River. It is historically significant for the confrontation that took place between Toussaint Louverture and Rochambeau on February 23, 1802, following the battle at Ravine à Couleuvres.
The French avant-garde made a bold advance across the plain. Toussaint quickly spotted General Rochambeau at the forefront. Without hesitation, he positioned his cavalry along a route known as Marie-Louise, emerging into the savannah behind a dense, towering hedge. This strategic placement allowed them to launch a surprise attack on the flank of the French column as it approached the Périsse habitation. Leading his infantry in a well-formed line, Toussaint prepared for the confrontation. As soon as the French came within musket range, his grenadiers unleashed a devastating volley and charged forward with their bayonets. The French, tightly packed in their formation, charged fiercely at the natives, who stood resolutely against them. Despite their ferocity, the French inflicted significant damage on the honor guard, who struggled to maintain their ground against the overwhelming assault. Toussaint observed that Rochambeau was not using the advantages of his numerical strength. He strategically positioned two infantry companies on the enemy's flanks. The French suffered heavy losses under the precise fire of the native marksmen. The battle devolved into brutal close combat, with sabers and bayonets clashing amidst the chaos. Toussaint himself was deeply engaged in the fight. With no artillery support on either side, the sounds of victory suddenly erupted from the French ranks. Toussaint saw fortune turning against him. Armed with a rifle, he fought valiantly to rally his wavering troops against the enemy. In a bold move, Monpoint led his dragoons into the fray, seeking to break through the French lines. He charged fiercely into the battalions, effectively splitting their vanguard from the main force. With a hundred dragoons at his back, he pressed forward while the remaining cavalry targeted the disorganized French advance guard. The center of Rochambeau's division retreated towards the Ravine à Couleuvres. Ultimately, Toussaint emerged as the victor on the battlefield, having lost 300 men compared to the French's 200.
Carrefour Severe
Ravine-à-Couleurves[]
• The Ravine-à-Couleurves is a ravine and mountain located northeast of Gonaïves, positioned between this city and St. Michel du Nord. It stretches from Baradé to Maimon.
General Rochambeau having learned that Toussaint Louverture had a significant stockpile of gunpowder at the Ravine-à-Couleurves, decided to abandon his pursuit of Christophe after capturing Saint-Raphaël. He advanced from La Marmalade to Saint-Michel-de-I'Atalaye which he seized on February 10, 1808, without delay. By maneuvering through the Ravine-à-Couleurves in the plain of the Cross, called Savane Desolée, Rochambeau aimed to isolate Toussaint's forces in Gonaïves by positioning himself strategically between Gonaïves and the Pont de l'Estere. The ravine presented a tactical advantage, with Coupe à l'Inde on the left and Bayonnais on the right. Rochambeau set off from St. Michel, crossed Platana and Mamon and established a stronghold at Baradé, which offered a commanding view of the entire ravine and was fortified by its natural defenses. On February 23, 1802, Toussaint walked from Gonaives and confronted Rochambeau at the Ravine-à-Couleurves, leading his guard into battle. His troops bravely charged the hill multiple times, but the French forces unleashed a relentless barrage of gunfire, knocking them down everywhere. Rochambeau deployed several infantry companies along the flanks, delivering devastating fire upon the native troops already in disorder at the bottom of the ravine. After enduring the French assault throughout the night, Toussaint was forced to retreat at dawn. In a desperate move, the natives detonated their powder keg at the Ravine-à-Couleurves, destroying a significant cache of ammunition, which the French were about to take. Toussaint regrouped his soldiers at the Perisse plantation in the La Croix Plain, located a league from the Ravine.
There, a fierce battle ensued between the two armies, resulting in a decisive victory for Toussaint. Rochambeau was compelled to retreat and reestablish his position at the Ravine-à-Couleurves. Toussaint's success that day was attributed not only to the bravery of his soldiers but also to the swift movement of his forces.
In November of the same year, Colonel Jean Philippe Dant, witnessing disputes arise among the leaders of the northern revolts, passed through the Ravine-à-Couleurves and aligned himself with Dessalines in the Artibonite, specifically at the Florenceau plantation.
Michael Vedrine is flavorful