Port-de-Paix (French pronunciation:[pɔʁdəpɛ]ⓘ; Haitian Creole: Pòdepè or Pòdpè; meaning "Port of Peace") is a commune and the capital of the Nord-Ouestdepartment of Haiti on the Atlantic coast. It has a population of 462,000 (2015 IHSI estimate). Port-de-Paix used to be a large exporter of bananas and coffee.[1]
Geography
The city of Port-de-Paix located on a small coastal plain on the Atlantic coast of Haiti in the Tortuga Canal on the bank of Three-Rivers in an area marked by agricultural activities.
During the Amerindian period this area was called "Xarama" by the Taïno people. The area around the town was given the name "Valparaíso" by Christopher Columbus after landing here in the late evening of December 6, 1492, and today still contains many attractive beaches and cave locations. A ferry operates between the town and Tortuga island, (La Tortue), called "Gusaeni Cahini" by the Taïnos, which is situated just across the water.
From 1600 to 1800
The town was founded in 1665 by French filibusters, driven from Tortuga Island by the British occupiers. In 1676 the capital of the French Colony of Saint-Domingue was moved from Tortuga to Port-de-Paix, and it remained the seat of government until 1711 when the capital was moved to Cap-Français. In 1676, Padrejean escaped from slavery in the Port. In 1679 the town saw the first black slave revolt. The area saw great success during the 18th century but on February 27, 1903, the town was almost entirely destroyed by fire, and never attained its former status.[2]
Liberation
In 1803, following the step of Maurepas, the general Francois Lamort Cappois and the 9th demi-brigade the French soldiers evacuated the city.
Plan de la ville du Port de Paix (1785)
Transportation
Port-de-Paix is served by Port-de-Paix Airport. The RN5 connects the city to Gonaives in the Artibonite Department, the R117 connects ic to Limbé in the Guarico Department and the R151 connects it to Mole-St-Nicolas in proposed Quisqueya Department. The main streets are Stenio-Vincent, Capois, du Quai.
A ferry connects the island of Tortuga to Port-de-Paix.
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