The following brief history of Cap Haïtien is based entirely on my readings of Moreau de Saint-Méry massive Description Topographique. Any errors in the translation from the original French are completely mine.
The origins of the name Cap-Français are debated, with some sources suggesting Christopher Columbus named it Cap-Saint or Cap-Français in December 1492. Others contend the name Cap-Français has a more recent French origin.
The first French establishment in the area was founded by Flibustiers and Boucaniers who sought to expand their conquests eastward onto the island of Saint-Domingue from Tortue Island. This initial settlement in the “Plaine du Cap” was not located where the current city stands; the site of the present-day city was initially possessed by a Calvinist named Gobin who established a habitation there.
The movement towards more permanent settlement on the main island gained momentum. The first twelve Frenchmen who came from Tortue to cultivate the Cap area arrived in 1670. Their guide was Pierre le Long, who began his first cultivation in the area later known as the parish of “la Petite-Anse”. Pierre le Long’s habitation was located in a spot now part of the parish of Quartier-Morin.
This period of early cultivation and settlement was significantly influenced by figures like Bertrand d’Ogeron. Based on our conversation history (drawing on previous sources), d’Ogeron played a key role in transforming the more transient buccaneers into cultivators and actively promoted settlement on the mainland, including establishing an habitation at Port-Margot. The first settlers coming from Tortue to the Cap plain and the establishment of cultivation there align with this broader effort.
The roadstead used by these early French settlers as they came up the river was called “la Petite-Anse”. The nearby “morne du Cap” was then named “Gros Cap de la Petite-Anse”. Settlements on the right bank of the river continued to be called “la Petite-Anse”, while those on the left bank closer to the “morne du Cap” chain were known as “le Haut ou le Bas du Cap”.
The first parish in the Cap dependency was founded where the “bourg du Haut du Cap” is now located. The current site of the Cap city, then called “la Basseterre”, was initially just a refuge for a few fishermen and was considered a dependency of Haut du Cap.
In 1676, the small French colony at Samana was forced to relocate and settled near the Cap. This influx provided a notable increase in population for Le Bas du Cap or la Basseterre, and a parish was subsequently established there. The parish of Bas du Cap or Basseterre was established a little before 1680.
The formal establishment of the Cap area as a distinct entity dates to around 1671. It did not have a specific military chief until 1679, when M. de Franquefnay was appointed as lieutenant de roi there, commanding the area then known as “le Quartier du Cap”.
Until 1691, the part of the colony dependent on the Cap (from l’Acul to Limonade) was considered of minor importance compared to Port-de-Paix and the western part of the colony. Consequently, there were no visible fortifications, a vulnerability that was clearly demonstrated during the events of 1691. In January 1691, the Spanish conducted an incursion and burned the bourgs. Later, in 1695, enemies again burned the meager huts (“chétives cabanes”).
These attacks spurred interest in defense. Around 1700, M. de la Boulaye, inspector-general of the marine, proposed ideas for the defense of Saint-Domingue, focusing on the Cap roadstead. M. Renaud then created a project for Fort Picolet, which is considered the first plan for the port’s fortifications and continues to mark the entrance to the Cap’s port. Further fortification efforts included adding cannons to flanks and quays.
The Cap steadily grew as a center of activity. Early cultivation, notably initiated by settlers like Pierre le Long and later developed with crops like sugar cane (attributed to M. de Charritte’s habitation in the Cap plain), formed the economic base. M. Belin de Villeneuve, though living in Limbe, was also noted for perfecting sugar production techniques relevant to the area.
Infrastructure developed to support the growing population and economy:
Careening Place: The Port du Cap lacked a facility for careening (cleaning and repairing) ships of the line. M. de Monteil had to take his squadron to Havana in 1781 for this purpose. M. Gramont began establishing a careening place on the Bélier shoal near the Petite-Anse embarcadère in November 1781.
Roads: An early road connecting the Cap to Léogane, passing through Spanish territory, existed in 1717. A specific road between the Petite-Anse and the Cap was constructed in 1742. The Chemin de la Marmelade, linking to Plaisance and eventually the Cap and Port-au-Prince, was begun in 1762. Various roads connected the Cap to other key locations like Port-au-Prince, Môle, and Port-de-Paix.
Ferry/Passage: A boat service for communication between the Petite-Anse and the Cap existed from early times. This passage was farmed out for profit in 1727 and 1738. The exclusive privilege for this passage was suppressed in 1765. A ferry (“bac”) at the Cap also existed; its toll revenue was given as a gift for 30 years starting in 1767, despite the Cap council suspending registration in 1766 and 1771.
Waterfront: The quay of the first section of the city is land reclaimed from the sea. By 1721, the Cap’s extent was more limited towards the East and South. The waterfront was initially irregular and covered in garbage. Place Le Brasseur, made in 1780, was built on a former pool of water.
As the settlement grew, various institutions were established:
Social Life: The colony’s inhabitants, including those at the Cap, had distinct characteristics. Gambling was a notable vice. Challenges included devastating diseases like smallpox and the need to send children to France for education due to its lack in the colony.
Religious Institutions: The first parish was at Haut du Cap. The parish of Bas du Cap was established before 1680. The Hospital of the Religious of Charity was established in 1690 (though Père Boutin’s connection to its founding is questioned). Père Pierre Boutin arrived as a missionary in 1705 and served in various parishes including Limonade, contributing to their growth. Père Le Pers also arrived in 1704 and served parishes like Limonade and Dondon.
Healthcare: The Hospital of the Religious of Charity, and later the Providence houses for men and women (founded by figures like M. Doullès for women and M. Castaing, later corrected, and M. Juchereau de Saint-Denis for men) provided care. A cemetery section at the Fossette was designated for burials in September 1746.
Judicial Bodies: The Cap had a Sénéchaussée and a Conseil Supérieur (Superior Council) which was created and heard appeals from lower courts.
Administration: Governors and Intendants were often required to reside at the Cap. M. de Charritte served as governor of the Cap. M. de Galifet was governor from 1700 to 1703.
Culture and Information: The Cap was the site of the colony’s oldest spectacle/theatre, located in Rue Vaudreuil until 1764 when it became a public theatre. The first printing press in the colony was established at the Cap by Antoine Marie, who arrived in December 1763. This press produced the first gazette of Saint-Domingue immediately upon his arrival. Other publications followed, such as the Journal de Saint-Domingue starting in November 1765. A Literary Cabinet was established in 1788. The Société des Sciences & Arts du Cap-Français (initially Le Cercle) was active from at least 1784 and obtained royal letters patent in May 1789. The Chamber of Agriculture existed, having been projected earlier.
By the late 18th century (the time of Moreau’s writing of Description, around 1789), the Cap had grown significantly, with sections like the vicinity of Place Clugny and Petite-Guinée being extremely populated. It was a major port and economic center , attracting numerous ships and visitors.
The Cap was a key point for military planning and the residence of colonial chiefs, especially during times of war. It evolved from a small, vulnerable settlement receiving inhabitants from Tortue and Samana into a large, complex urban center with established institutions, infrastructure, and a growing economy, though it still faced challenges like fires, disease, and issues with administration and infrastructure.
