Battle of Vertières

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The Battle of Vertières, the last major battle of the Second War of Haitian Independence, the final part of the Haitian Revolution. It was fought between Haitian rebels and French expeditionary forces on November 18, 1803 at Vertières.

Haitians led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines attacked the strong French-held fort of Vertières, near Cap François (now known as Cap-Haïtien). Dessalines' forces won a decisive victory over the French colonial army under the Viscount of Rochambeau and forced him to capitulate the same night. The Haitian Ninth Brigade under François Capois played a crucial role in the victory.

As a result, the independent Republic of Haiti was proclaimed on January 1, 1804.

November 18 has been widely celebrated since then as a Day of Army and Victory in Haiti.

[edit] External links

• The Louverture Project: The Battle of Vertières