The second most consequential achievement realized by the new Haitian nation after its unprecedented, successfully fought and won revolution, was the erection of this remarkable piece of art which perches on top of a mountain.
The following quotations explain to a certain degree firstly, the aim toward which it was conceived. And secondly, the admirable grandeur of the Citadelle La Ferrière built by Henri Christophe, who was the ruler of the northern part of the newly created nation called at birth, Haiti.
La Citadelle La Ferrière as described by historically reputed sources:
“The Citadelle Laferrière is a mountaintop fortress, located on the northern coast of Haiti – on the top of mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque. Depicted on local currency, stamps and postcards, this amazing structure has
become the symbol of Haiti’s power and independence.”
“Citadelle Laferrière was part of a larger fortification system which included Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre; all built to protect Haiti from future attacks by colonizers who might sail over from neighboring islands. While other forts were built earlier as part of the revolution, the construction of Citadelle Laferrière was ordered by Henri Christophe in 1805, in the year following the achievement of independence.”
“La Citadelle La Ferrière est un ouvrage militaire construit au début du XIX e siècle à Milot en Haïti dans le département du Nord, par Henri Christophe. C’est la plus grande forteresse du continent américain [1]: à 900 mètres d’altitude, elle se trouve à 15 km au sud de Cap-Haïtien , au sein du Parc National Historique – Citadelle, Sans Souci, Ramiers classé au patrimoine mondial de l’ UNESCO depuis 1982.”