W0RLD MONUMENT

    What you are about to read may open your mind to something you never thought about before. My wife and I have travelled around the Caribbean Archipelago over the years and visited many of the islands, but it was really an enlightening experience to learn about a very unusual place called the fortress of La Citadel Lafrenière. It is a fortress built by Henry Christophe, the Haitian revolutionary general who led the slave rebellion of freedom in 1804.

    This fortress has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1982   Although there are several smaller forts across the country of Haiti this fortress is the first example of African-derived colonial architecture.  

   The Citadel was constructed by over 20,000 ex-slaves, built inland 3000 feet on the mountain as a means of providing the optimal military vantage point. The location enabled Haitian forces to strategically keep watch over a vast distance, from the nearby valleys to the coastline. Cap -Haitian and the adjoining Atlantic Ocean are visible from the roof of the fortress.

    It is the largest fortress in Haiti and one of the largest in North America. The turbulent political situation principally in the central region has deterred visitors from visiting the very interesting tourist destination of the mountain Citadel.

    Maybe, this short monument may encourage you to explore another adventure at

    the “Caribbean Archipelago.”  See the Citadel below.

4-19-23