Port-de-Paix


Port-de-Paix is a commune and the capital of the Nord-Ouest department of Haiti on the Atlantic coast. It has a population of 462,000. Port-de-Paix used to be a large exporter of bananas and coffee.

History

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,, called "Gusaeni Cahini" by the Taïnos, which is situated just across the water.
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.
Port-de-Paix is also the chief town of an arrondissement of the same name. The arrondissement consists of five communes: Port-de-Paix, La Pointe des Palmistes, Bassin-Bleu, Chansolme and Tortuga.
Port-de-Paix was hit by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in 2018.

Transportation

Port-de-Paix is served by Port-de-Paix Airport.

Notable people