Poteau, sometimes spelled Poteaux, is the fourth communal section of the City of Gonaïves, Haiti. It is a rural area known for its strategic location as a junction connecting three neighboring boroughs: Gonaïves, Marmelade, and Dessalines. As of 2015, Poteau had a population of approximately 20,949 residents.
Neighboring sections[]
Northwest  8e Ravine Gros-Morne, GMO |
Northeast 5e Labranle | |
|---|---|---|
West  S2e Bassin |
Gonaïves |
East N 3e Chemin-Neuf, ENY |
| South 1re Pont Tamarin |
Southeast 3e Rivière de Bayonnais |
About[]
Poteau consists of multiple small settlements and villages scattered across fertile plains and rolling hills. It supports a largely subsistence farming population, with some small-scale trade and services. The area reflects a blend of rural lifestyle and growing connectivity to urban Gonaïves due to road improvements and community initiatives.
History[]
• On February 23, 1802, when the Brigade of General Salnave (A a military officer serving with the French forces; not to be confused with 9Sylvain Salnave, the Haitian revolutionary and president born in 1827) and the Hardy Division 
were marching from Ennery to Gonaïves to fight against Toussaint Louverture. They stopped and set up camp at Poteaux before heading down into the Gonaives plain. Even today, travelers still have to navigate the tough rocky path called l'Escalier (The Staircase) at the top of the village, right after a spot called Le Coup Pintade. The path got its name because it's so steep and difficult that it had to be built like actual stairs.
• The fighting came back to Poteaux in May 1865, when government soldiers battled against 9Salnave's rebel troops. This time, the rebels were beaten back and forced to retreat.
• Another dramatic moment unfolded on February 7, 1879, during what became known as the Marmelade uprising. General Mentor Nicholas, who was in charge of the Gonaïves District, positioned his forces at Poteaux to face off against St. Fleur Paul's army. But while everyone was focused on this standoff, Montmorency Benjamin pulled a surprise move and attacked Gonaïves city from a completely different direction. His sneaky plan worked at first, but it didn't last long - the people of Gonaïves quickly kicked him out of their city.
• Poteaux also had its moment of royal recognition when S.E.M. de Barbot became the Count of Poteaux in 1849, demonstrating how important this little village was during Haiti's imperial days.
Geography[]
Geographically, Poteau is situated in the northern part of the commune of Gonaïves. It borders the 5th communal section to the northeast and the urban center of Gonaïves to the southwest. The landscape is characterized by low hills, plains suitable for farming, and seasonal streams. Its climate is tropical, with a pronounced dry season and a rainy season extending from April to October.
Section map of 4e Poteau
Neighborhoods[]
| POX |
|---|
| André, Badio, Badon-Marchan, Bois Boulé, Brésson, Carrefour Joffre, Chanflot, Delva-Lasset, Deux Poteaux, Dolant Docine, Funel, Jean Gil, La Coupe, Mapou Chevalier, Derrière-l'Etang, Deux Barrières, Grand Lacourt Dimanche, Jean Jacques Dubedou, Madame-Charle, Marose Duquesnin, Poste-Coutant, Les Poteaux, Nan Suzanna, Pon-Flip, Prunelle, Savanne Choux, Sanse, Terre-Blanche, Terre-Sonnain, Tête Canal. |
Economy[]
The economy of Poteau is driven by agriculture. Residents grow crops such as maize, plantains, beans, and cassava. Animal husbandry, including goats and chickens, is also common. Local markets offer limited commercial activity, and remittances from family members abroad play a supplemental role in household incomes. Some NGOs have introduced agricultural training and community development programs in the area.
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