New Orleans - Haiti Observer Blog

In 1791, when slaves in Saint Domingue (now Haiti) started their revolt that ultimately lead to their independence, many whites and free Blacks left the island. Many adopted Cuba as their new home; however, many more went on to settle in New Orleans. By 1809, the number of Haitians who landed in New Orleans was estimated at 10,000.

The new immigrants, including some 3,100 free persons of color, reshaped the society. Over concerns by the American government that these new free persons of color would spread a revolution

The immigrants from saint Domingue were specially helpful after the great fire of 1794 in the City of New Orleans, for their contribution in rebuilding.

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The City of Jacmel was originally founded 1698 and became a major coffee trading centre during the colonization period with some of its residents, wealthy coffee merchants, considered at the time to be some of the most influential people in the Colony.

One important event that will change the shape of this influential city of Jacmel was the fire of 1896. This fire reduced the entire city to almost nothing, with only a few buildings left standing. The city of Jacmel was rebuilt but this time with a structure that will prove itself over time. Many of the homes since the fire of 1896 were made with prefabricated cast-iron pillars and balconies which would withstand fire. These materials were designed and built in France and shipped to Haiti.

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