Marigot (Kreyòl: Marigo, English: “Backwater”) is a commune in the Jacmel Borough of the Haiti's Southeast Department. Home to a little over 70,000 inhabitants, the commune is set along the Caribbean coast of the Tiburon Peninsula, balancing its rural agricultural hinterland with the charm of a small seaside town. In 2013, MondoBlog magazine ranked Marigot sixth on its annual list of the “most beautiful communes” in Haiti.
Location on the South Coast of Haiti
Marigot
Etymology[]
The name of the commune of Marigot originates from a phonetic deformation tied to a small pond that once lay at what is now the bottom of the town. Over time, this feature gave its name to the settlement. The French term marigot, meaning a backwater or stagnant pool, is common across the Caribbean, appearing in the names of multiple places: Marigot in Dominica; Marigot in Saint Martin, the largest settlement on the French side of the island; Marigot in Saint Barthélemy; Marigot Bay in Saint Lucia; Le Marigot, a canton in Martinique’s La Trinité arrondissement; and Marigot, Sud-Est, the beach commune east of Jacmel in Haiti. In Haitian Creole, the town is known as Marigo, a vernacular adaptation that endures in local usage.
About[]
Marigot is a coastal commune in southeast Haiti. Since colonial times it has existed as an old parish, serving as a settlement and religious hub in the region. The town’s name, according to historian Émile Célestin Megie, better known as Togiràm, comes from a former settler named Rigaud who once grazed his cattle at a small pond near what is now Place Toussaint Louverture. Over time, Marigot developed as a link between the fishing communities along the shoreline and the fertile agricultural lands further inland, giving it a dual character as both a maritime and agrarian center.
History[]
The evolution of Marigot reflects its transformation from parish to commune across more than two centuries. During the late colonial period the area was known as Région Feslès, and by 1799 it encompassed the territory that would much later be divided to form the commune of Cayes-Jacmel in 1934. It was during this same period that General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, in the midst of the independence struggle, rested in the parish for three days while en route to the eastern part of the island.
After independence, Marigot began to take on the contours of an established civic body. In 1817, citizen Pierre Maillard became the first representative of Marigot to sit in the Chamber of Representatives, confirming its political voice within the young Republic. In 1824, 2President Jean-Pierre Boyer dispatched a group of immigrant African-American farmers to settle in Marigot, reinforcing its agricultural traditions and deepening its demographic profile.
On July 11, 1843, the presidential decree formally elevated Marigot to the rank of municipality, separating it definitively from Cayes-Jacmel and giving it independent administrative standing. The progress was not without setbacks, however, for in 1905 the town was almost entirely destroyed by a series of mysterious fires that consumed its built environment and disrupted local life.
In recent decades, Marigot has faced the challenges and opportunities of modern governance and community development. In 2014, the municipality partnered with the European Union to fund initiatives in rural road rehabilitation, vocational training, watershed protection, and livestock support. By 2015, EU-supported agricultural programs had planted tens of thousands of fruit and forest trees, stabilized hillsides, expanded irrigation systems, and created nearly a thousand local jobs, demonstrating the resilience and resourcefulness of the commune.
Yet not all events were so productive. On December 16, 2016, in the midst of national electoral unrest, the commune’s town hall and several private properties, including a local discothèque, were burned down. The incident, which appears to have been executed with remarkable lack of foresight or planning, became a striking testament to how quickly disorder can overshadow governance and common sense. Even the most casual observer would struggle to miss the conspicuous folly of those responsible, whose actions reduced vital municipal infrastructure to ashes while leaving a lasting mark on Marigot’s collective memory.
Today, Marigot balances remembrance of its storied past with forward-looking projects in agriculture, road maintenance, and eco-tourism, cultivating both resilience and hope for its inhabitants.
Geography[]
The municipality of Marigot is situated at 18.2337° N, 72.3208° W in the Jacmel Borough, Southeast Department. It occupies the southern slopes of the Saddle Mountain Range, with terrain varying between plains, plateaus, and hills. Marigot is bounded on the north by the town of Kenscoff (West Department), on the east by the city of Belle-Anse, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the town of Cayes-Jacmel. The commune is divided into five communal sections and a district, and its town center lies along a narrow coastal plain that gradually widens toward the Marigot River delta further east. From the coastal plain, the urban area rises toward the foothills and stops where agricultural lands begin in the surrounding sections of Corail Soult to the west and Savane Dubois to the east.
Marigot’s climate ranges from normal to cool, shaped by its elevated terrain and coastal exposure. The Marigot River, sourced in a lagoon called the Étang Bossier on the plateau of Morne Jet d’Eau, winds through the hills before emptying into the Caribbean Sea just a mile from the town, providing both freshwater resources and scenic value. Despite its agricultural surroundings, Marigot has a long-standing relationship with the sea, serving as an important fishing and coastal shipping port. Its urban perimeter benefits from an unconstrained topography, easy access to the water table, and electricity from EDH’s Gaillard Dam, while nearby beaches such as Kabic and Ti-Mouillage enhance its potential for seaside tourism. Historically, the commune was recorded as being 27 leagues from the capital under the laws of April 25, 1817, and November 20, 1821, underscoring its established place within Haiti’s territorial network.
Demography[]
The inhabitants of Marigot, known as Marigotiens and Marigotiennes, are spread across the commune’s coastal urban center and its surrounding rural sections. Over the decades, the population has grown steadily, more than doubling since the late 19th century (1800s), with notable surges in the early 21st century (2000s) as the town’s role as a regional hub expanded.
The town center, Ville de Marigot, occupies a compact coastal plain and is relatively dense compared to the surrounding countryside, where settlements are scattered and rural life predominates. The main communities within the commune include the town center itself and Peredo, while the rest of the population resides in smaller, dispersed hamlets across hills and plateaus. Residents are predominantly of African descent, engaged primarily in fishing, agriculture, and small-scale trade, and the cultural landscape reflects a mix of traditional Haitian customs and modern influences. Religious life is vibrant, with Catholic and Protestant churches alongside local Vodou communities, and the social fabric continues to evolve alongside population growth and urban development.
Migration has shaped Marigot’s demographic profile, with seasonal movements to larger cities for work and education common among young adults. Many youths leave temporarily but maintain ties to the commune, returning for cultural festivities, family obligations, and agricultural cycles. This pattern sustains a dynamic exchange between rural and urban life, helping preserve local traditions while introducing new ideas and opportunities for development.
| Year | Population | % +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 7,000 | |
| 1998 | 53,388 | |
| 2003 | 50,734 | -5% |
| 2009 | 67,933 | +34% |
| 2015 | 74,700 | +9% |
Communal map of Marigot, Haiti
Neighborhoods[]
| MAR | Marigot | 74,400 | Localities of this commune: | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMT | Ville de Marigot | Urban | 7,355 | ||
| QSG | Quartier de Seguin | Urban | 821 | ||
| COS | 1ère Section Corail-Soult | Rural section | 14,837 | Anne, Bas Tessert, Bas Thomas, Bodary, Corail, Corail Tessert, Cotterelle, Dingou, L'anse Colin, La Roca, Madeleine, Masure, Model, Nan Coton, Pétavie. | |
| GRF | 2ème Section Grande Rivière Fesles | Rural | 6,974 | Belvo, Cacoupin, Ca Jacques, Ca Jason, Fond Bourgeois, L'avenir, Plabe, Rica, Terry | |
| MRY | 3ème Section Macary | Rural | 17,539 | Bas Chauta, Berac, Bougeois, Ca Jacques, Cassé Dent, Duline, Fond En Ciel, Guillaume, Haut-de-Chateau, Jet d'Eau, La Courbas, Macary, Nan Carote, Platon Coinde, Platon de Cina, Rémy, Roche Plate, Ti Place, Toussaint, Zumy. | |
| FJN | 4ème Section Fond Jean-Noël | Rural section | 16,116 | Berry, Bois Debout, Bois Pin Jn Noel, Boulaille, Citoiline, Citron, Fond Sable, Grand Bois, Grande Savane, Gros Bois, Guédo, Jn Mevy, La Garde, Lamothe, Limoun, Lindor, Marché, Nan Citron, Nan Pavé, Nan Zap, Platon Blanc, Platon Fond Jn-Noël, Respect, Roche Cabrit, Vieux Cayes | |
| SAD | 5eme Section Savane du bois | Rural section | 11,508 | Belle Roche, Bordes, Bossiere, Ca Concite, Chemin Dieu Moun, Dépot, DesPlats, Diamond, Dingou, Germain, Grand Bois, Guillaumond, Nan Pourri, Pérédo, Pistache, Rodaille, Savanne Dubois, Soufflé, Toumar, Voutoson, Zeb Fine. |
Climate[]
Marigot has a tropical climate classified under Köppen as Aw, a tropical savanna type with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, from May through October, brings frequent and often heavy rainfall, particularly to the foothills and river valleys, which contributes to recurrent flooding in low-lying urban areas. The dry season, from November through April, is characterized by lower humidity, fewer rain events, and cooler temperatures in the elevated terrain, while coastal breezes moderate the heat along the shore.
The town’s topography creates localized climate variations. The urban area on the narrow coastal plain is warmer and more humid due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Higher elevations in the Saddle Mountain foothills experience cooler temperatures and occasional mist, providing a respite from the coastal heat. River valleys and depressions may trap moisture after rainfall, creating pockets of lingering humidity that influence both agriculture and daily life. These variations mean that residents often experience markedly different weather depending on whether they are in the town center, on a hillside, or near the Marigot River delta.
Marigot’s climate, coupled with its steep surrounding terrain and deforested slopes, amplifies the town’s vulnerability to flooding during the rainy season. Intermittent streams descending from the hills can swell rapidly, weakening soils and structures, and making urban planning and disaster mitigation a persistent concern.
Economy[]
Irrigation system in Marigot, Sud-Est, Haiti
Marigot’s economy is anchored in a mix of coastal, agricultural, and small-scale commercial activities. Its fishing pier, long a hub for local fishers, has evolved into an important coastal shipping port serving not only Marigot but also the eastern communities along the Belle-Anse coast. Agriculture thrives in the surrounding foothills and plains, with residents cultivating coffee, bananas, fruits, and other crops suited to both the wet and dry seasons, while pig farming is also practiced. Steep slopes and soil erosion, however, continue to present challenges to productivity.
Commerce within the town is modest and concentrated primarily in small establishments offering everyday goods and services, such as shops, pharmacies, and a few bars and restaurants in the town center. The limited commercial supply often encourages Marigotiens to travel to Jacmel for more sought-after products. Despite this, local markets remain active centers of trade, with Ka la Pierre and Saint-Pierre in the 1st section, Bitaille and Plantillon in the 2nd, Marche Nan Moulin and Marche Simone in the 3rd, Seguin, Plateau Chapelle, and Carrefour Grand Bois in the 4th, and Peredo and Nan Figuier in the 5th section supporting regional commerce.
Financial infrastructure is minimal: there is no bank in the town, and residents conduct formal banking in Jacmel. Marigot does have three credit unions, but no marketing cooperatives. The town’s coastal location and its position along the Jacmel-Marigot axis reinforce its role as a relay hub linking coastal settlements with inland areas, further strengthening its strategic economic importance. The inauguration of a communal fishing center in early 2013—the second of five planned in the Southeast Department—has bolstered the local fishing sector and underscores the town’s enduring connection to the sea.
Infrastructure[]
Marigot’s transportation network reflects both its coastal and mountainous setting. The town sits at the terminus of the asphalted section of the RD-41, with roads beyond leading to Belle-Anse and the heights toward Kenscoff becoming increasingly difficult, and in some places nearly impassable. This challenging terrain has cemented Marigot’s fishing pier as a key coastal shipping port, connecting the town to neighboring communities along the Belle-Anse coast.
Within the urban perimeter, streets are generally narrow and follow the contours of the coastal plain, widening slightly toward the river delta and foothills. Informal paths and rural tracks extend into surrounding agricultural lands, linking Marigot with its five communal sections and scattered settlements such as Peredo. The combination of hilly terrain, deforestation, and heavy seasonal rainfall contributes to vulnerability in the road network, with certain routes prone to erosion or temporary obstruction during floods.
Public and private transport services operate primarily along the main coastal axis toward Jacmel, while local transport within the town relies on small vehicles, motorcycles, and occasional pickup trucks adapted for rougher terrain. The town’s position as a relay hub between the coastal settlements of the Jacmel-Marigot axis, the rural hinterland of the Massif de la Selle foothills, and the eastern coast of the Sud-Est underscores its strategic importance for both goods and passenger movement, despite the limitations of the existing infrastructure.
Education[]
Lycee Publique de Marigot (Public High School)
Education in Marigot is shaped by a mix of public and private institutions that serve both the town center and the surrounding communal sections. While the Ministry of National Education, Youth, and Sports has no permanent office in Marigot—the departmental office is based in Jacmel and officials visit the commune as needed—there are numerous schools across the area. A total of 36 primary and preschool schools, along with two secondary schools, have been inventoried in the commune. However, the town lacks dedicated kindergartens, leaving early childhood education largely informal or integrated within primary institutions.
In addition to traditional schooling, Marigot has recently seen the establishment of an Aquaculture Learning Center on the grounds of the Henri Christophe School. This center provides training in sustainable food production, reflecting the community’s drive to combine education with practical skills that support local livelihoods. Despite challenges such as limited resources, the municipality demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and youth development.
Marigot, Haiti
Health[]
Healthcare in Marigot remains limited and largely under the oversight of the broader departmental authorities, as the Ministry of Public Health and Population has no direct representation in the commune. The municipality hosts three health establishments: a health center and two dispensaries. These are staffed by a small team that includes four doctors, a nurse, a laboratory technician, and several auxiliaries and certified matrons. Despite their dedication, the presence of doctors can be irregular, leaving gaps in access to care. For more serious or specialized treatment, residents typically travel to the Saint Michel Hospital in Jacmel.
Public health challenges in Marigot are compounded by environmental factors such as seasonal flooding and deforestation, which can worsen waterborne diseases and heighten vulnerability during cyclones. The local health network focuses on essential services like maternal and child health, vaccinations, and treatment of common illnesses. While resources are constrained, these clinics and health workers form a crucial safety net for the Marigotiens who depend on them.
Utilities[]
The provision of utilities in Marigot reflects both the opportunities and limitations of a coastal town at the edge of accessible infrastructure. Electricity reaches the urban center and the locality of Peredo through the regional network supplied by EDH from the Gaillard Dam, though service can be intermittent, and the surrounding rural sections rely on alternative solutions such as generators.
Water access is uneven across the commune. Two rivers, 17 natural springs, three ponds, and a lagoon have been inventoried, but the distribution network primarily serves the town center of Marigot and parts of Savane du Bois, reaching only around 150 houses. Drinking water is not always available, and many public fountains are in poor condition. Residents in outlying areas depend on rainfall collection, streams, and other natural sources for daily needs.
Sanitation infrastructure is minimal, with limited drainage and sewage systems that struggle during the rainy season, particularly when foothill streams swell and cause localized flooding. Solid waste management is largely informal, handled by residents or through municipal collection points. Despite these challenges, Marigot’s residents have developed resilient strategies to cope with intermittent services, reflecting both the constraints of the environment and the ingenuity of the community. Continued investment in utilities is essential to support urban growth, public health, and overall quality of life.
Administration[]
Marigot Police Station
Marigot’s municipal administration oversees governance across the commune and its five communal sections, managing public services, coordinating development projects, and addressing the needs of both the urban center and rural settlements. Administrative offices are concentrated in the town, serving as a hub for civil registration, local permits, and coordination with departmental authorities in Jacmel.
The commune also maintains basic judiciary and security infrastructures, including a court of peace and a police custody room, ensuring local legal matters are addressed and public order is upheld. While Marigot has a functioning municipal council, the commune remains dependent on external support from the Southeast Department for technical and financial guidance. This reliance reflects both limited local resources and the challenges posed by the dispersed population and difficult access to some rural areas. Despite these constraints, municipal authorities play a key role in coordinating emergency responses, maintaining infrastructure, and overseeing public service delivery, keeping Marigot connected to broader regional governance.
As of January 2022
  Rene Ring |
| Party: AMASE |
Culture[]
Religion[]
Marigot is home to a diverse religious landscape, with more than 29 temples representing a variety of faiths. Catholicism holds a prominent place, with 13 churches—nearly half of all religious buildings—serving as focal points for worship and community gatherings. Protestant denominations, including Baptist and Adventist congregations, are also present, offering services, educational programs, and local support initiatives. Across the commune, religious institutions provide social cohesion, informal support networks, and venues for community engagement.
Organizations[]
Several organizations operate within the commune of Marigot, contributing to social, educational, and economic life. These include political party representations, grassroots community groups, and associations focused on women, youth, and peasants.
- CCPM (Communal Fishing Center of Marigot) supports local fishermen and sustainable coastal resource management.
- Star of Hope, an international NGO, provides humanitarian assistance and development support to the population.
Communication[]
Communication infrastructure in Marigot remains limited, owing to the town’s coastal and mountainous setting. The municipality has no radio station, newspaper, or television station. Telephone and internet services are available but not widespread, with coverage strongest in the town center. Residents often rely on informal networks and word-of-mouth for local information, while radio from nearby towns remains the most common medium for news, announcements, and entertainment, connecting Marigot with both Jacmel and the broader Southeast Department.
Though modest, these communication channels serve as vital links for commerce, education, and community coordination, especially given the town’s relative isolation from larger urban hubs.
Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism[]
Despite its modest size, Marigot offers residents and visitors a variety of leisure and recreational opportunities, though the municipality remains relatively deprived in terms of formal entertainment infrastructure. The town’s coastline, including its fishing pier and small beaches, serves as both a working space and a communal gathering spot, where locals fish, socialize, and celebrate occasional festivals. Nearby Massif de la Selle foothills provide opportunities for hiking and nature walks, though the rugged terrain limits large-scale tourism development.
Social life is also centered around local markets—such as those in Ka la Pierre, Saint-Pierre, Peredo, and Nan Figuier—which function as informal hubs for trade, community interaction, and everyday entertainment. In addition, Marigot hosts thirteen gaguères, traditional spaces for leisure, alongside a single theater and a football field, which serve as the main organized recreational venues. The town’s small bars and eateries provide further opportunities for socializing, often featuring fresh fish and local produce.
While Marigot is not a major tourist destination, its coastal charm, agricultural landscapes, and traditional communal life offer a unique glimpse into daily life in the Southeast Department. Its role as a relay between the Jacmel-Marigot coastal axis and the rural interior positions it as a convenient stopover for visitors exploring the broader region.
References[]
ESQUISSE DE PLAN D’URBANISME POUR LA VILLE DE MARIGOT [1]
"Marigot, Haiti" - Wikipedia [2]
Michael Vedrine