Cap-Haïtien
Country: Haiti
Region: North America
Period: 1807-1820CE
Location: 19.76°N, -72.2°E
Description
Cap-Français (now Cap-Haïtien), located on the northern coast of present-day Haiti, was the capital of the French colony of Saint-Domingue in the 18th century. During this period, Saint-Domingue was the wealthiest colony in the Caribbean, producing vast amounts of sugar, coffee, and other commodities. Cap-Français served as the administrative, commercial, and cultural hub of the colony, benefiting from its strategic position on the Atlantic.
Modern Remains
Today, Cap-Haïtien (formerly Cap-Français) retains colonial-era architecture, including remnants of French buildings, churches, and forts. The city is a key tourist destination in Haiti, with attractions such as the Citadelle Laferrière, a symbol of Haitian independence, and several historic monuments. Though much of the city has modernized, these colonial remnants reflect its rich, tumultuous history. The legacy of Cap-Français as the heart of the colonial and revolutionary past continues to influence the cultural identity of Haiti today.