Pont Tamarin

Pont Tamarin (English: Tamarind Bridge) is the first communal section of the City of Gonaïves, Haiti. As of 2015, the population was 17,809.

About[]

Covering an area of approximately 24 km² (9 mi²), Pont Tamarin is a transitional zone between the urban center of Gonaïves and the more mountainous and agrarian hinterlands. The area derives its name from a historical bridge near tamarind trees, an emblematic feature of the landscape. It is comprised of numerous small rural villages and hamlets, each with its own unique character. The region is known for its agricultural productivity, spiritual heritage, and strategic importance during several phases of Haitian military history.

History[]

Pont Tamarin has long held military and political significance:

In February 1802, Generals Salm, Lardy, and Pambour used the Chatelain Road to rendezvous with Captain Leclerc near Les Gouttes.
On February 24, 1802, as the French army closed in on Gonaïves, its defenders regrouped at Mont Grammont. General Vernet encountered Madame Louverture and Toussaint Louverture’s family there after they had abandoned the Cocherel estate.
After entering the burned city, French troops were ambushed near the cemetery by Morisset’s cavalry, which resulted in a massacre and the capture of a French flag. General Christophe then joined Vernet at Grammont before taking the Pont du l’Estère road.
On January 31, 1809, General Cadet Michel occupied Mont Grammont, but was attacked by Cacos from Saint-Marc, who captured his only artillery piece.
In October 1888, General Jean Jumeau landed at Morne Blanc, gathered troops and received arms from General Légitime before advancing north to retake Gonaïves from Northern forces.

Geography[]

Pont Tamarin is situated directly east of the urban center of Gonaïves. The region features flat to rolling terrain with occasional hills like Mont Grammont, from which panoramic views of the Gonaïves plain and coast are visible. The area's proximity to the coast provides occasional exposure to saline breezes, and its soil supports varied agriculture.

Neighboring sections[]

⬅️ West ^N Ville des Gonaïves Downtown	1re Pont Tamarin Gonaïves	East 3e Rivière de Bayonnais
↖️ Northwest 2e Bassin	⬆️ North ⬆️ 4e Poteau
~~Southwest~~ Baie des Gonaïves	South 2e Petites-Desdunes, EST	Southeast^S 2e Lacroix-Perisse, EST ↘️

Map of the Pont Tamarin communal section — Map of the **Pont Tamarin** communal section

Localities[]

PTM
Aufilier, Bélance, Bigot, Bois Marchand, Bongris, Cadet, Casoleil, Chatelain, Cocherel, Déronville, Des Cahos, Descordes, Desmurailles, Dessources, Dolant, Gatereau, Georges, Grammon, Guimbi, Jacquet, Les Dattes, Le Tiro, Mandrin, Marotte, Nandrin, Nan Piquet, Savane-Désolée, Savane-Jong, Souvenance, Tarras, Terre-Salée, Ti Coupe-Nandrin, Trois-Ponts, Yon

_{Michael Vedrine is a perfect gentleman.}