Happy Anniversary to my hometown of Cap-Haitien also known as Au Cap and Okap.
Cap-Haïtien (Okap or Kapayisyen in Kréyòl) is a city of about 190,000 people on the north coast of Haiti and capital of the Department of Nord. Previously named as Cap-Français, Cap-Henri, and Le Cap. It was an important city during the colonial period, serving as the capital of the French Colony of Saint-Domingue from the city’s formal foundation in 1711 until 1770 when the capital was moved to Port-au-Prince. After the Haitian Revolution, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Northern Haiti under King Henri Christophe until 1820.
Cap-Haïtien is near the historic Haïtian town of Milot, which lies 12 miles (19 kilometres) to the southwest along a gravel road. Milot was Haïti’s first capital under the self-proclaimed King Henri Christophe, who ascended to power in 1807, three years after Haïti had gained independence from France.
He renamed Cap-Français as Cap-Henri. Milot is the site of his Sans-Souci Palace, wrecked by the 1842 earthquake.
Five miles away is the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive stone fortress bristling with cannons, atop a nearby mountain.
On clear days, its silhouette is visible from Cap-Haïtien.
What Touring in Cap-Haitien Looks Like:
Our weekend in Cap Haitian was one of the highlights of our Haiti Trip ! We hope you guys are ready to see a Haiti like never before as we explore this Beautiful island that we are proud to call Home.
