Front: Sanite Belair (1781-1802), heroine

She was a lieutenant and her husband Charles Belair a general in the revolutionary army of Francois Touissant. They were both captured by rival forces and executed.

Back: Fort Cap-Rouge at Jacmel

Front: Fabre Nicolas Geffrard (1806-79), President of Haiti 1859-1867

Geffrard enlisted as a private soldier in 1821. He was promoted to brigadier-general after successfully defeated President Jean Pierre Boyer in a revolt in 1844, and to general after subdued a rebellion under General Achaau in 1845.

Geffrard led the insurrection that overthrew Faustin Élie Soulouque in 1859, and became President. By 1861, his government became unpopular. He faced repeated revolts from his generals. As the situation deteriorated in 1867, he and his family escaped to Jamaica, where he died.

Back: Fortress of the Platons in Dussis (Les Cayes)

Front: General Francois Capiox-la-Mort

Back: Fort Jalousiere at Marmelade

Front: Henri Christophe (1767-1820), President of Haiti 1807-1820

Christophe was born in St. Kitts and was brought to Saint Domingue as a slave. He worked in a hotel restaurant and eventually obtained his freedom. He distinguished himself in the rebellion of 1791, and was promoted to the rank of general in 1802. He became President of Haiti in 1807, proclaimed King of Haiti in 1811, and committed suicide in 1820.

Back: Citadelle Henry at Milot (Cap Haitien)

Front: Jean-Jacques Dessalines (1758-1806), Emperor of Haiti 1804-1806 under the name of Jacques I

Dessalines was born as a servant. He joined the French army as an officer, but later fought against the same colonial power. He defeated the French troops in 1803, and proclaimed Haiti independent on January 1, 1804. He declared himself emperor of Haiti in 1805.

During his reign, many French whites were massacred. Dessalines declared Haiti an all black nation and forbade whites from owning property or land. He was assassinated in 1806.

Back: Fort Decide at Merchand